Tyrone 1-13

Antrim 2-18

A more than disappointing afternoon for Tyrone at Owenbeg  as Antrim collected their first ever Ulster intermediate title easing to an eight point win over a Red Hand side that at times struggled against the well organised Saffrons. Inspired by Orlaith Prenter’s 1-8, including a second half penalty, Antrim at times cut through the red hand defence with ease. The saffrons  looked sharp on the ball and the finishing ability of Prenter was the foundation for their success.

The sides had been level on five occasions in the first half but in the final minutes of the half Antrim pulled away to lead at the break by four. They never looked back after that taking control through a Theresa Mellon goal on the restart and always looking comfortable.

Maria Canavan had opened the day’s scoring with a well taken point. Lara Danhunsi, Prenter and Maria O’Neill tagged on early Antrim points while goalkeeper Anna Mc Cann denied Emma Jane Gervin who found herself one on one after a good Canavan pass.

In a good spell for Tyrone they showed real quality. Grainne Rafferty, Aoife Mc Gahan 0-2 and Canavan hit points and they looked well capable of pushing on but Prenter kept Antrim in touch. Steadying the ship Grainne Mc Laughlin points pushed Antrim ahead and despite a Rafferty equaliser there was a strong finish from the Saffrons.

Prenter dropped over three points and O’Neill should have goaled but tapped over a point as they set about building a healthy lead.

Starting the second half as they left off a quick 1-3 from Antrim left them 1-13 to 0-6 up with eight second half minutes played. Mellon was on hand to slam home the goal, Captain Cathy Carey , Mellon and Prenter adding to the points tally.

Credit to Tyrone they styormed back scoring five points without reply from Canavan, Slaine Mc Carroll and the impressive Rafferty had closed the gap to a manageable five points. However just as they looked like making the comeback they coughed up a penalty.

Prenter dispatched the kick confidently after winning the spot kick and Tyrone’s race was run. Prenter added further points with Aoife Horisk on target for Tyrone. Dahuntsi and Sasha Byrne exchanged points O’Neill and Dahuntsi kept the scoreboard ticking over with Horisk scoring a consolation goal before the end.

Antrim were excellent throughout while only on occasions did Tyrone carry a threat. Niamh Hughes, Aoibheann Mc Hugh, Merabh Corrigan and Rafferty were excellent while Sinead Mc Vey made a couple of key stops over the hour but they can have little complaint as they look ahead to the all Ireland series.

Tyrone: Grainne Rafferty 0-5 Aoife Horisk 1-1, Maria Canavan 0-3, Aoife Mc Gahan 0-2, Slaine Mc Carroll 0-1, Sasha Byrne 0-1

Antrim: Orlaith Prenter 1-8, Theresa Mellon 1-1, Maria O’Neill 0-4, Lara Dahuntsi 0-2, Grainne Mc Laughlin 0-2, Cathy Carey 0-1