Ulster U20 Hurling final: Antrim 2-13 Derry 0-11
ANTRIM proved to be the stronger side over the distance at Owenbeg on Saturday to vanquish Derry in the Ulster U20 hurling final. Aidan Scullion grabbed majors either side of half-time for the Saffrons to ensure their victory.
Played in atrocious conditions in north Derry, Antrim trailed by just the single point at half-time despite playing into a strong wind. Derry will be kicking themselves over a promising first-half performance that lacked the final product on too many occasions. In a 15 minute spell where they kept Antrim off the scoresheet, they could only manage three points of their own as they hit six wides.
It was Scullion who broke that particular duck for the Saffrons as he fired a long-range effort past Cathan McElhinney in the Derry goal to leave it 0-8 to 1-4 at the break.
With the wind at their backs, Antrim were dominant throughout the second-half, with Scullion, Christy McGarry and Joseph McLaughlin all pointing to nudge them into the lead. Although a Keelan Doherty point had Derrry back within touching distance, Antrim were ruthless in reply – Scullion striking to the net from close range after a Dáire McMullan free into the danger area.
A Jack McCloskey point underlined Antrim’s dominance and the result was never in doubt from there on in.
Paudie Shivers’ men now advance to the to the Leinster championship round-robin stage, where they will take on Meath, Offaly and Westmeath.
