Antrim 3-18 2-16 Down

Watch how Antrim lifted their seventh successive Ulster Hurling crown

Andy Savage and Karl McKeegan in action at Casement Park

Antrim won the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship for the seventh year in a row by beating plucky Down 3-18 to 2-16 in Sunday's decider at Casement Park.

Stephen Clarke scored Down's first goal after seven minutes and Conor Woods found the net on 19 minutes to help his side to a 2-5 to 0-10 half-time lead.

Antrim bounced back after the break with goals by Liam Watson, Karl Stewart and Paddy Richmond edging them ahead.

The Saffrons now face Galway in an All-Ireland qualifier in two weeks.

Antrim started as firm favourites to lift the Liam Harvey Cup against a Down side missing some key players through injury.

Watson, Karl McKeegan, Paul Shiels and Enda McCloskey were early point-scorers for Antrim but Clarke's flick into the net kept the Mournemen in touch.

Brendan McGourty was the first Down player to register a point but McKeegan and Paddy Magill replied for the holders.

Woods beat Ryan McGarry for Down's second goal but points from Michael Herron and Ciaran Herron saw Antrim draw level at 2-2 to 0-8.

Three points from Paul Braniff then helped Down to their one-point half-time lead.

Antrim were much the better side in the second period, Watson scoring on 39 minutes, Stewart on 45 minutes and Richmond after 54 minutes.

Braniff and McGourty kept the scoreboard ticking over for Down but Antrim ran out five-point winners.

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Antrim: R McGarry, A Graffin, J McKeague, S Delargy (capt), C Herron, K McKeegan, J Campbell, K Stewart, E McCloskey, M Herron, C Donnelly, D McNaughton, P Richmond, L Watson, P Shiels.

Down:Graham Clarke, L Clarke, S Murray, F Conway, Gabriel Clarke, K Courtney, S Wilson, R McGrattan, A Savage, E Trainor, B McGourty, P Braniff, E Clarke, C Woods, S Clarke.