Antrim and Down failed to give us even a hint during the first half of yesterday's Ulster SHC final, at Casement Park, that drama was to unfold in the second period before the Saffrons managed to cling on to the title for an eighth consecutive season.

That they did, but only after soaking up tremendous pressure from the Mournemen who cracked home an amazing four goals and six points after trailing by 2-9 to 0-9 at the interval.

Antrim edged home by 3-20 to 4-15 with injury time points by Neil McManus and Shane McNaughton securing the nail-bitting victory.

Goals by Shane McNaughton and Joey Scullion in the sixth and eighth minutes helped Antrim to their half-time lead which they fully deserved as they had hurled with better poise and precision but what a change came over Down in the second period during which the scores were level six times.

Paul Braniff hammered in a goal from a 20-metres free on 38 minutes and from there the Mournemen buckled to their task.

Three minutes later, Stephen Clarke shot home from a centre by Simon Wilson and when Wilson landed another long range free into the Antrim area Braniff again connected to rattle the net.

That left the scores tied at 2-12 to 3-9 after 42 minutes and from there to the finish it was hammer and tongs hurling with both teams producing every ounce of energy.

Another long range free from a Wilson put the loser ahead for the first time but roving Neil McManus levelled the argument again before Wilson pointed once more.

McNaughton rifled in an Antrim goal on 48 minutes but before the Saffron cheers died down hard-working Andy Savage had the ball in the Antrim net.

Keeping track of the scoring and the exchanges throughout the field became almost impossible as the teams matched each other stride for stride.

Wilson and excellent Karl McKeegan traded long range points from placed balls throughout the match to keep the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Karl Stewart send over an Antrim free on 51 minutes to level the argument at 3-14 to 4-11 and points from play were swapped constantly as the sides were level again on 57 and 61 minutes.

Then two crackerjack points from Conor O'Prey and Braniff put Down in the driving seat with five minutes on the clock.

The Mournemen looked on their way to their first provincial title since 2001 but Neil McManus

hit a beauty and McKeegan squared the issue right on the 70 minutes, after McManus was pulled back on the end line. Michael Ennis was unfortunate to get a second yellow card for his action.

Down had shot their bolt and during the four minutes of injury time McManus and McNaughton fired over those late winning points for Antrim, a victory the Saffrons just about deserved for their composure and character in the face of what looked like defeat.

ANTRIM : R McGarry; K McGourty, N McGarry, A Graffin; S Delargy, C Donnelly, N McAuley; J Campbell, K McKeegan (0-5, all frees); B Herron, N McManus (0-3), S McNaughton (2-3); K Stewart (0-6, 0-5 frees), P Richmond (0-2), J Scullion (1-1). Subs: E McCloskey for Stewart (52), M Herron for B Herron (52)..

DOWN : Graham Clarke; F Conway, S Murray, S Ennis; S Wilson (0-6, 0-5 frees), R McGrattan, M Ennis; A Savage (1-2), C O'Prey (0-1); G Johnston, C Woods (0-2), K Courtney; J Coyle (0-1), P Braniff (2-2, 1-0 free), S Clarke (1-1). Subs: M Coulter for Coyle (61), K McGarry for O'Prey (67), A Higgins for S Clarke (71).

Referee: B Gavin (Offaly).