Antrim 3-20 Down 4-15 Down almost rocked Antrim in this Ulster SHC Final, but in the end the Saffrons showed greater resolve to keep the Liam Harvey Cup in Antrim for the eighth time in succession, following this two-point win at Casement Park, Belfast. There were some defensive lapses and opportunist goals, but hurling was the real winner as 3,000 spectators witnessed an epic encounter played in 23 degrees heat. The Sun may have been on fire, but so too was the hurling - quick-fire goals the order of the day - a brace of three-pointers helping Antrim to a 2-9 to 0-9 interval lead, with plenty more to come in the second half. Down entered this game with a place in a Christy Ring Cup final secured - but silverware hasn't reached the Mourne's in recent times - the quest for a first Ulster SHC title 1997 continues, following this pulsating encounter. A trio of injury-time points from Karl McKeegan, Neil McManus and Shane McNaughton were vital in a game, which saw Down overcome a nine-point deficit to take a two-point lead. First-quarter goals from McNaughton and Joey Scullion, both inside 90 seconds were the early catalyst for an Antrim win. However Paul Branniff (2), Stephen Clarke and Andy Savage netted goals for the visitors inside 14 minutes of the restart. But Antrim showed greater resolve in the closing stages with late points as their experience shone through for a 49th provincial title. In the blistering Belfast Summer heat, hurling was the real winner in a game which pitted Down boss Jim 'Jingo' McKernan against his former charges. The Christy Ring Cup finalists made little of their underdogs tag in this game, and blazed an early trail as scores from Paul Braniff and Simon Wilson propelled them into a 0-02 to 0-00 lead after just three minutes. But the hosts had other ideas as they quickly took the lead for the first time in the sixth minute - one they wouldn't relinquish until the 43rd minute. Karl Stewart cut the deficit to a point, with a well struck free to open Antrim's account before an early goal onslaught followed. It was Shane McNaughton who fired home the Saffrons first goal in the sixth minute. The move started after the energetic Joey Scullion took on Down defender Fintan Conway. Conway was beaten for pace, Scullion's shot bounced off the crossbar, with McNaughton close at hand to fire his side 1-01 to 0-02 in front. Scullion followed up with Antrim's second goal within ninety seconds, after he pounced on the sliothar, left vacant by Down defender Sean Ennis. Previously trailing by two points, the Saffrons were now five points in front. Antrim were certainly eager to keep the momentum going as points from Karl McKeegan and Stewart ensured a 2-03 to 0-02 lead at the 15-minute mark. But Down ralied as quick-fire points from Simon Wilson and Conor Woods kept the Mourne men in touch. Despite the efforts of Wilson and Woods, and second quarter scores also arriving from Andy Savage - Antrim's early goal brace stood to them well, as they built up a 2-09 to 0-09 interval advantage. But the eight-in-a-row title chasers were left stunned on the restart by an eager Down outfit. The sides may have added three scores each inside seven minutes of the restart, but Antrim's points from Paddy Richmond (2) and Stewart were outshone by a trio of Down goals. Paul Branniff bagged a goal either side of Stephen Clarke's three-pointer as the challengers were level with the Ulster kingpins for the first time at 3-09 to 2-12. The 3,000 strong crowd were treated to a fast paced second half which certainly didn't disappoint, with the game on a knife-edge right until the closing moments. Both sides traded the lead, before Shane McNaughton added his second goal in the 48th minute - following which Stephen Murray was shown a yellow card as Karl Stewart was left in pain on the turf. This gave Antrim a 3-13 to 3-11 lead, but Down regained control from the puck-out, as an Andy Savage goal fired them one-point in front. The goal-scoring antics were now at an end in this game, but one sensed that Down might take victory. Scores from Conor O'Prey and Branniff saw them take a 4-15 to 3-16 lead with five minutes of normal time remaining, but Antrim stuck to their form-book and dug out this game at the death for their 49th provincial title. Antrim - R McGarry; K McGourty, N McGarry, A Graffin; S Delargy, C Donnelly, N McAuley; J Campbell, K McKeegan (0-5, 4f); B Herron, N McManus (0-3), S McNaughton (2-3); K Stewart (0-6, 5f), P Richmond (0-2), J Scullion (1-1). Sub - E McCloskey, M Herron. Down - G Clarke; F Conway, S Murray, S Ennis; S Wilson (0-6, 5f), R McGrattan, M Ennis; A Savage (1-2), C O'Prey (0-1); G Johnston, C Woods (0-2); J Coyle (0-1), P Braniff (2-2), S Clarke (1-1). Subs: M Coulter Jr, K McGarry, A Higgins. Ref - Brian Gavin (Offaly) Tweet

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