Volunteer Cup race hots up

DUNLOY are back in championship action this weekend with six teams still in the hunt for the Volunteer Cup.

After topping their groups, reigning Antrim and Ulster champions Cushendall have joined Loughgiel in the semi-finals. This weekend’s two quarter-finals will decide who completes the semi-final lineup.

Rossa Park is the venue on Saturday as a rejuvenated St John’s – under manager Michael Johnston – take on Naomh Éanna.

After going under to both Dunloy and Cushendall, the Johnnies kept their season going with a 1-27 to 2-16 win over Belfast rivals Rossa to secure a spot in the knock-out stages.

They had Conor Johnston, Michael Dudley and Shea Shannon in fine scoring form and will wear the favourites’ tag this weekend.

Naomh Éanna had a draw with Ballycastle (1-15 each) thanks to a late score from Niall O’Connor. This weekend is different. It’s knock-out hurling and St John’s will be fancies to make it through to the semi-finals.

Dunloy’s defeat to Cushendall saw them miss out on top spot and they will step into the knock-out hurling a round earlier than planned.

Their footballers’ brave showing – including a starring role from Seaan Elliott – wasn’t enough to see them go one better than last year’s county final defeat.

On the hurling front, they’ve been playing without Conal Cunning and after being pushed hard by St John’s in the opener, they were winners over Rossa before losing to the champions.

Gregory O’Kane is again at the helm and they’ll be itching to get a shot at another title.

Standing in their way this weekend is Ballycastle who lost to Loughgiel in their last outing.

Nine points from Tiarnan Smyth wasn’t enough with James McNaughton in red-hot form for the Shamrocks.

Cushendall and Loughgiel will be watching from the long grass this weekend to see who they take on in the semi-finals.