Dunloy to the four as they hold off stiff Cushendall challenge

Dunloy 1-20 Cushendall 2-11

Dunloy held their nerve to find the late scores - including a goal from Chrissy McMahon - as they made it four Antrim SHC titles on the spin at the expense of Cushendall at Corrigan Park.

The outsiders had put in a huge shift and were right in contention until McMahon profited from space finally opening up for Dunloy, ensuring that the defending champions remain on top in Antrim.

Cushendall couldn't have got off to a better start as just 20 seconds in, a long ball put Neil McManus in and although Ryan Elliott saved, Cormac McClafferty swept home.

Space was at a premium with Cushendall flooding the middle sector and this tactic was paying off as they led 1-02 to 0-01 with Eoghan Campbell landing a great score.

Dunloy began to get into gear with Aaron Crawford and Keelan Molloy finding their range alongside Conal Funning as they drew level and the sides were neck and neck as Cunning and McManus traded scores.

It just seemed Dunloy were beginning to find their groove with Nigel Elliott bursting through at pace to score after Eamon Smyth had put them in the lead for the first time.

They really ought to have had a goal on 29 minutes when Cunning popped off to the unmarked Ryan McGarry who swept wide right in front of the posts. They would be made to pay as straight after, a long free from Neil McManus dropped short and Sean McAfee just got enough on it to see the ball over the line, helping Cushendall into a 2-06 to 0-11 half-time lead.

It remained tight after the break with Cunning levelling early, but Cushendall were managing to stay ahead thanks to McAfee and a magical pointed sideline by McManus.

Ruairi Og led by two on 46 minutes, but they began to lose their way in attack with the wides stacking up.