Slaughtneil lead the way in the early stages of the Derry hurling championship

All eyes are once again on the Leadon Timber Frame Hurling Championship this weekend with teams already chasing Slaughtneil after just one round of fixtures.

Reigning champions Slaughtneil began the campaign as favourites to retain their title and make it 12-in-a-row in the process and they showed their intent to do just that with a 3-22, 1-10 win over Ballinascreen in their opening game of the new Championship season just two weeks ago.

Missing experienced campaigners such as Meehaul McGrath and the McKaigue brothers Chrissy and Karl, Slaughtneil were dealt a further blow when Cahal McKaigue and Fionn McEldowney were forced to withdraw their services minutes before throw-in in that first game, but they adapted brilliantly and produced a performance and a result which would be expected from a team with over a decade of success behind them.

21-year-old midfielder Jack Cassidy stood out in the absence of those others and was the best player on the pitch, scoring 1-6 from play. He was aided by the impressive corner forwards Shea and Eamon Cassidy as Slaughtneil once again showed just why they are the team to beat.

They now face a Banagher side who will be boosted by their display against Lavey on the opening day. Two goals from Ciaran Lynch was the difference as Banagher dug deep to produce the win.

With two teams qualifying for the senior semi-finals, the two points on offer were significant. With Slaughtneil hot favourites to win a 12th successive title, Banagher’s win is a lengthy step towards the last four and whatever happens this weekend, they have given themselves a great chance to go deep in the competition.

The hunger and intensity they brought to the middle third of the pitch against Lavey will stand them in good stead, even if they go in as significant underdogs against the best in the county.

The other game in Group B sees Lavey take on Ballinascreen in the first of a double header at Owenbeg on Saturday.

Lavey had a disappointing championship in 2023 as they finished bottom of their group and failing to advance to any of the three finals and they just fell short again two weeks ago, as, despite a spirited comeback, they were unable to haul back Banagher and so head into game two still looking for their first points. Fintan Bradley scored 10 without reward in that first game and Lavey's success could well centre around him again if they get the better of an opponent who are looking to build on a successful 2023.

Ballinascreen claimed the Intermediate title last year when they overcame Eoghan Rua in the final. While they were a grade below Slaughtneil on the opening day, they still have plenty of ambition in this year's campaign. 'Screen did put up a gallant fight against the champions, with Reece McSorley impressing at the edge of the square while Paul Cleary and Eamon Conway also showed well and they will be more confident of getting something from this game this weekend.

Kevin Lynch's and Swatragh played out an entertaining draw in their first group game two weeks ago.

In Group A on Sunday, Eoghan Rua host Swatragh.

Eoghan Rua lost out in the Intermediate Final to Ballinascreen last year after some good showings in the group games, but they were far from emphatic in their opening game this time, just edging out Na Magha in a game which ended in controversial circumstances, with the city side having a late and potentially decisive point chalked off.

The Coleraine men bossed much of the opening half of that game and will be disappointed with how they allowed Na Magha back into the game. Ruairi and Dara Mooney were excellent while Niall Holly was a handful and while reliable Thomas Magee hit 0-5, he also hit six wides in a game which was patchy throughout. There were six different scorers on the day, but there is plenty to improve upon this time out against Swatragh.

Swatragh will fancy their chances here, especially after that breathless display against Kevin Lynch's a fortnight ago, when a late score from Niall Ferris denied them a huge win at the end of a brilliant game. Both Lynch's and Swatragh have ambitions to be the team to topple Slaughtneil and they both gave it their all and it would be a brave man to bet against the latter this weekend.

Lynch's will just be as confident as they head to Na Magha on Sunday, and they should have too much for the city side who are surely still reeling from that 'ghost' point from Ruaidhri McLaughlin in the closing stages which denied them two crucial group points and ended Na Magha hopes of a first senior club championship victory.

Lynch's have their eyes on another final here and they know the importance of a victory, which they should pick up to get their campaign going.