16 March 2014
Our 2 senior teams lost again today....the footballers lost out to Tipperary by 6 points, 3.20 to 1.17. While the forwards are posting scores which would normally win games, the defence has been too generous. Last week Carlow notched 3.15 and today an additional 5 points on top of that.
The hurlers hosted Cork and in advance of the game most people reckoned that Cork were coming up north to improve their score difference in an easy win. As it turned out though Antrim recorded their best performance of the league to date but still lost out, 0.18 to 1.12. Playing with the wind in the first half we had too many wides, 12 in total. But - there was also much to admire in the hurling Antrim produced. The defence was superb throughout, with McKinley, Johnston and McFadden resolute in the full back line.
In the second half, playing into the wind we still created scoring chances but too many passed without reward. Cork finally got on top with 10 minutes to go but it was heartening to see Antrim still in the game, still creating chances rather than capitulating under the Cork momentum.
We will be in a relegation play off, that's for certain. The revised system means we will have two chances to retain our Div 1B status. Its vital that we do.
Our football team is in a tough spot, putting in a big effort but not getting results. This is when they need support. Footballers out again on the 6th April at home to Clare. Our hurlers play Offaly next Sunday, and again - crucially, the week after that. This is the business end of the NHL season, hopefully Antrim are finding the kind of form that keeps us a Division 1 team.
