Dunloy, the team that toppled Loughgiel in the semi-final by an awesome 30 points, are the new Antrim hurling champions after a polished performance in Casement Park yesterday. In a splendid game, played in rain-drenched greasy conditions, Dunloy and O'Donovan Rossa were level on five occasions until midway through the second half, when Dunloy made their winning push.

Yet, it was only the expertise of goalkeeper Shane Elliott that kept Dunloy in the hunt at a period when it seemed Rossa might just be on their way to a title. Elliott stopped three point-blank goal attempts in the second half - two with his body. The display earned goalkeeper Elliott the man-of-the-match award, ahead of team-mates Alistair Elliott and full forward Gregory O'Kane who chalked up an impressive 1-9.

Rossa's Jim Connolly gave an impressive performance at midfield while right-half forward Chris Hamill punished Dunloy fouls with seven points from frees. Full forward Joe O'Neill gave Dunloy some anxiety when he rounded Paul Molloy to boot the sliotar home, while corner forward Collie Murphy promised much but produced only a single point.