Antrim Junior B Hurling Championship

Ardoyne Kickham’s 1-10 Latharna Og 1-10

A late goal by substitute Hugh Grieve earned Ardoyne a draw against Latharna Og in Tuesday evening’s Junior B Hurling Championship game at Fennel Park, to secure top spot in the group. Larne, who had lost the corresponding game at the Brustin Braes, on Saturday, looked set for revenge when a goal from Neill Darragh and a Michael Lismore point had put them three ahead and apparently set for victory, but Grieve struck late to tie the scores at 1-10 apiece.

Ardoyne had the better of the first half and with Daniel Moore and Pearse Hull ruling the roost they went on to lead by 0-8 to 0-6, Michael Lismore, Mark Petticrew and Philip McKendry to the fore for Larne.

A long range free from corner-back Martin McLaughlin just after half time increased the home team’s lead to three, but Larne took over and drew level with two points from Michael Lismore and one from Conor Matthews. In truth the Larne men should have been further ahead, but knowing that a ten point win would have seen them top the group, they kept going for goal, but found the Ardoyne net minder JP Agnew in fine form. David Saunders edged Ardoyne back ahead with a point, but a Neill Darragh goal and another point from Michael Lismore toook Larne three clear with time almost up, before Grieve saved the day for the Kickhams with his late strike.

Both teams will be involved again this weekend with Ardoyne playing Anraí Seoighe at Fennel Park and Larne playing Group 1 winners St Brigid’s at Mugrave Park.