By Niall Gartland

SOME of the heavy hitters in Antrim were in imperious form in round one of the senior championship and they’ll be expecting to take a big step towards the knock-out rounds in their second outings of the campaign this weekend.

Reigning champions Cargin blasted five goals past Rossa on their first day out and will be expected to account for St John’s on Sunday, though it should be a closer contest.

Portglenone eased to victory against Ahoghill, and are firm favourites to account for a Moneyglass team that also won their first group stage match.

Lamh Dhearg set aside a flat league campaign with a a thumping victory over Naomh Éanna and it’d be a major surprise if they don’t account for St James Aldergove.

Elsewhere, Dunloy should back up their opening day win with another two points gained against Naomh Éanna, while it’s tougher to call the clash between Rossa and Tir na nÓg.

St Gall’s and Aghagallon both lost their round one matches so there’s plenty at stake when they lock swords this weekend

There’s also the hugely appetising clash between reigning league champions St Brigid’s and Kickham’s Creggan, both of whom got off to a winning start.

Finally at senior level, Ahoghill host Con Magee’s, two teams who lost their first matches.

There are also four games down for decision at Intermediate level. St Mary’s take on a strong St Teresa’s team, St Patrick’s travel to Ardoyne, Gort na Mona host Glenavy and Liam Bradley’s All Saints face Sarsfields. Likewise, there are also four Junior games – Cardinal O’Donnell’s v Patrick Pearses, St Agnes v Laochra Loch Lao, St Malachy’s v St Comgall’s and Wolfe Tones v Eire Og.