02 May 2011
Last year’s winners Ballycastle made a successful start to the defence of their Under 21 hurling title when they ran out easy winners of Monday evening’s first round clash against Dunloy. Playing with wind advantage in the opening half Ballycastle raced to a 4-9 to 1-3 interval lead, the goals coming from James McLister and Peter Dallat who bagged two apiece. Cormac Gaston grabbed his second goal of the game soon after half-time but Ballycastle were never really under threat and ran out winners by 4-15 to 2-5.
Last season’s runners-up Loughgiel had five point to spare after a tough battle with Rossa in Loughgiel. Loughgiel were two points ahead at half-time despite having played against the stiff breeze, but Rossa kept in touch in the second half and Loughgiel were made to battle for their 1-13 to 0-11 win.
Cushendall, who are higly fancied to do well in this competition, didn’t have things all their own way as they conceded 3-10 to Lamh Dhearg in Hannastown , but their forwards were in fine form as they ran up an impressive 2-21 total. St Gall’s had two goals to spare over a gallant Rasharkin side who were making their debut in this competition while the St John’s v St Brendan’s game was not played.
