Antrim secured their NHL Division One survival by beating Down 1-17 to 0-15 in today's relegation semi-final game at Omagh.
Johnny McIntosh was the star for Antrim scoring a goal and nine points.
The Glenariff ace hit three as Antrim stormed into an early six-point lead with Paddy Richmond, Conor Cunning and Michael Heron also on target.
Down relied heavily on their top scorer Paul Braniff, who contributed seven points for the Mourne men, six of them from frees.
The defeat means Down will go into a relegation play-off clash with Laois or Wexford.
Meanwhile, Wexford had to scrap for their Division One lives as they secured their top-flight status – but only after extra-time against a fired-up Laois side and ran out 2-31 to 3-14 victors.
The Model men had a 'Nowlan Park nightmare' as Laois banged in early goals from Seamus O'Dwyer, James Hooban and Philip Russell. Down by 0-06 to 3-04, Wexford fought back to trail by three points at the break.
A Stephen Doyle goal inspired Wexford’s comeback and Laois talisman James Young was forced to point a late 45 for extra-time. Having had Michael McEvoy sent-off, Laois grew tired and a Dessie Mythen goal ended their brave fight.
