THE script for the Antrim All County division 1A hurling league remains as compelling as ever.
Another twist in the plot saw champions Cushendall steal a 0-9 to 0-9 draw against Rossa with an injury-time Ruairi McNaughton point and make leaders Cushendun’s 22-point total look even more reachable.
Ideally a victory was called for by either side and for most of the hour the points looked Rossa bound.
When they analyse their performance, nine first half wides and eight second half misses, they will, perhaps, feel sorely done by, but, they must remember the four excellent saves by goalkeeper Ray Matthews which kept them in the game.
Matthews, Shannon, Kelly, Connolly and Armstrong were the big guns for Rossa on this occasion with McAteer, McKeegan, McCambridge, McNaughton, and substitute Karl McKeegan ensuring that Cushendall are still in there fighting for a league and championship double.
It looks as if Dunloy may well have the final say in this saga with Rossa and Cushendall each to meet the north Antrim specialists as well as clashing again at Cushendall.
Rossa: R Matthews, B Murray, P Rogan, K Stewart, J Hamill, S Shannon (0-1), S Kelly, J Boyle, J Close (0-1), J Connolly (0-2) D Armstrong (0-1), J O’Neill, C Hamill (0-3), G Rogan, G Kennedy (0-1). Sub: S Collins for Kennedy.
Cushendall: K McNaughton, B McNaughton, A McAteer, D McKillop, D McNaughton, L McKeegan, J McNaughton, M McCambridge, J McKillop (0-1), S McKeegan, F McAllister, J Carson (0-4), A Delargy (0-1), R McNaughton (0-3) A McGuile. Sub: K McKeegan for Sean McKeegan Referee: T McIntyre (Loughgiel)
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THIRTEEN-MAN Carrickmore survived a frantic battle at Aghyaran yesterday, holding on for a two-point victory to go through to the Tyrone division one league final.
Despite having Seamus McCallan and Mickey Bradley sent off, they staged a rousing display in a thrilling replay to remain on course for a record fifth league title in a row.
The double champions will meet Errigal Ciaran in a repeat of the championship decider.
Carrickmore scorers: Conor Daly 1-0, Peter Loughran 0-4, Davitt McElroy 0-2, Conor McAleer, Damien Loughran 0-1 each.
Drumquin scorers: Paul McLaughlin 0-5, Noel Donnelly 0-2, Eamon O’Kane, Eddie
McLaughlin 0-1 each. Ref: Martin Kolbohm (Rock).
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TWO brilliant Sean Bradley goals helped Killyclogher to the Tyrone U21 hurling championship title at Aghyaran yesterday.
The sides were level at the end of a first half which was highlighted by a brilliant save by Carrickmore goalkeeper Kieran McElhatten and a penalty stop by corner back Finbar Grugan, both from full-forward Bradley.
When Bradley rifled home his second strike six minutes from the end, there was no way back, and no double for Carrickmore, who had won the league final between the same sides a week earlier.
Killyclogher scorers: S Bradley 2-1, M Kelly 0-4, P Keys 0-3, D McCallion 0-2, P O’Kane 0- 1.
Carrickmore scorers: SP Begley 1-3, A Slane 0-2, P Hughes, G Hurson, P McCallan 0-1 each.
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GERMANY sit above Northern Ireland in Group 9 of this world cup qualifying campaign.
The European champions are level on points with the north but have superior goal difference, a fact that could prove decisive when this tight group reaches its climax.
Once Northern Ireland had scored at Windsor Park on Saturday the Albanians were never going to win.
When Iain Dowie netted his second goal of the game in the 21st minute it was a case of “let’s see how many we can get”.
But an accomplished first half performance was insulted by a concerning lack of firepower in the second three-quarters of an hour, the score still 2-0 at the final whistle.
Northern Ireland Ratings
Tommy Wright: Only forced to make one noteworthy save in the first half. Instilled confidence in his defence throughout. 6
Ian Nolan: Not too many defensive duties called upon but added to attack effectively. 7
Gerry Taggart: Solid as ever. The big defender commanded his defence and nearly scored. 7
Colin Hill: Pick of the bunch in defence. Had an excellent first half creating attacking runs for himself. 8
Barry Hunter: Growing in confidence by the game. His ninth cap and already forming a solid partnership with Taggart. 6
Kevin Horlock: Did the job Keith Gillespie so often fails to do at this level. He attacked, defended and passed well. 7
Steve Morrow: Never made an impact in the game. But he never made any mistakes. Safe performance. 6
Steve Lomas: Brilliantly created the first goal of the game. He looked hungry and never stopped running. 8
Iain Dowie: Two goals from a man supposedly off form. Now in double figures for the North and showed he is still the squad’s main target man. 9
Neil Lennon: Hard to believe Lennon was playing in only his 10th cap. His performance belied his experience. 8
Michael Hughes: The supply to Hughes was not good but he worked hard and had a better second half. A silly booking though rules him out of the Portugal game. 6
James Quinn: Only on for 15 seconds.
Gerard McMahon: Dearly wanted to make an impact. But 10 minutes here and there won’t help him. 5
