Glensmen shake off Down and march to Ulster final

ANTRIM’S U21 hurlers remain on course to retain their title after a four-point win over Down at a rain-lashed Casement Park last night.

Antrim led by a point at the break, having held a four-point advantage after 21 minutes. The home side played the better hurling in the opening stages and were value for their 0-8 to 0-4 lead when Darren Hamill stroked over his third free of the evening.

Down clawed their way back through a Paul Keith goal, although the impressive Michael Armstrong extended Antrim’s lead two minutes later. A Conor Woods 65 and an excellent point from Keith levelled matters but a Hamill point gave Antrim a 0-10 to 1-6 lead at the break.