Antrim avoid relegation despite last-gasp defeat

Antrim avoided relegation from Division 1B of the National Hurling League despite a dramatic last-gasp defeat at the hands of Ulster derby rivals Down at Pairc Esler. Donal Hughes was the matchwinner for the Mournemen as his goal in the final minute of the game secured a 3-22 to 3-20 success. Despite the victory, Down finish bottom of the division and are relegated to Division 2, along with Carlow, who went down 0-34 to 2-14 to Dublin at Dr Parnell Park.

Antrim retain their status on points difference and will face Down again in the Joe McDonagh Cup in four weeks' time. Fortunes ebbed to an from in a pulsating game on Saturday as the sides traded scores throughout a close contest, with the outcome in doubt right until the end. Shea Pucci scored two of Down's three goals, with Ruairi Donaghy doing likewise for the Saffrons.

Pucci found the net twice in the opening quarter of the contest but Donaghy's first goal reduced his side's deficit to five points at 2-7 to 1-5. The same margin prevailed at the interval as the hosts went in 2-11 to 1-9 to the good despite five first-half points from Seaan Elliott. The visitors began the second half strongly and Donaghy's second goal brought Davy Fitzgerald's side to within one of their opponents.

Elliott scored Antrim's goal and the see-saw encounter continued until the away side managed to nudge ahead 3-20 to 2-22 in added time thanks to a James McNaughton point. Hughes had the final say however to clinch victory for his side.