Antrim Minor Hurling Championship – Division 1

Glenariffe-Glenravel 4-16 Cushendall 1-15

Two goal in each half were the key scores as Glenaiffe-Glenravel beat neighbours Cushendall in the opening game if the Minor Hurling season at Waterfoot on Sunday.

The key scores came in the second quarter, the first from Cathair McNaughton on 18 minutes while the second one came just on the stroke of half time through top scorer Orrin O’Connor. Goal number three came midway through the second half, O’Connor striking again while Peadar McDonnell got the fourth in the final ten minutes. Thomas McLaughlin pulled on back near the end for Cushendall, but it was a case of too little-too late as the home side was home and dry by that stage.

Orrin O’Connor, Colla Ward and Calum McIlwaine got the first three points of the game for Glenariffe-Glenravel but Cushendall came back strong with five in a row through Callagh Mooney and two apiece from Thomas McLaughlin and Fionntan Bradly to move two ahead. Two from Peadar McDonnell brought the home side level before Orrin O’Connor grabbed the first goal of the game.

Thomas McLaughlin closed the gap to two but three from O’Connor and one from Peadar McDonnell saw some daylight appear between the sides. Two pointed frees by Fionntan Bradley cut the deficit down to four, but Orrin O’Connor’s goal left seven between them at the break.

Three from Orrin O’Connor frees at the star off the second half stretched the gap to nine but one from play by Callagh Mooney and three from frees by Bradley cut the gap back to five.

Cushendall were still in the hunt but Orrin O’Connor’s second goal closed the door for the Ruairi Ogs and when Peadar McDonnell got the home side’s fourth goal the destiny of the points was well and truly decided.

The next round of games are in two weeks’ time when Glenariffe-Glenravel travel to Ballycastle while Cushendall host Dunloy.

Rossa host Ard na Rí that same day while Loughgiel have a bye.

PICS BY MICKEY MORGAN