Derry Hurling Championship back this weekend

Reigning champions Slaughtneil face age old rivals Kevin Lynch’s as the action turns to the small ball this weekend with four games at Owenbeg.

They’ve had a grip on the Fr Collins Cup since 2013 and are red hot favorites to keep their hands on it again.

GROUP A

Slaughtneil v Kevin Lynch’s – Sunday 1pm

The Emmet’s hit 0-34 against Na Magha with close to a full hand with Shane McGuigan the main absentee.

Manager Paul McCormack has been able to call on the returning Chrissy McKaigue after a season away from hurling. There has also been a return Éanna Ó Caiside after a spell in Australia.

It gives them an injection of experience with the usual drip feeding of young players stepping in from the underage ranks.

McKaigue landed 0-5 with Cormac O’Doherty also leading the charge. It will be interesting to see if Kevin Lynch’s will deploy John Mullan to pick him up.

Richie Mullan is a key player with Conor Kelly, just back from Australia, another important player who got game time in the football win over Newbridge on Sunday.

They’ll need Corey O’Reilly, Darragh McGilligan and Niall Ferris to all chip in if they are going to spring a surprise here.

Lavey v Na Magha – Sunday 2.30pm

Sunday’s second game could well be a warmup for the fourth coming junior championship. Lavey and Na Magha need Kevin Lynch’s to turn over Slaughtneil to bring this group back into life. That’s why Kevi Lynch’s beating Lavey on the opening day was such an important result.

The Erin’s Own men have been progressing at underage level but it’s a longer way to senior level and it could be a costly defeat. With Fintan Bradley to the fore, it’s hard to look past a Lavey win.

GROUP B

Eoghan Rua v Banagher – Saturday 3pm

Banagher will be keen for a return to winning ways after losing to Swatragh in the first game.

They are first game of this weekend, the early Saturday game and will be tipped for victory against an Eoghan Rua side struggling for numbers.

Shane Farren, Callum O’Kane and Darragh Cartin were all the key men on the score against Swatragh in a game they lost by the puck of a ball.

Ballinascreen v Swatragh – Saturday 5pm

The second game on Saturday is arguably the showdown of the weekend with Ballinascreen, Banagher and Swatragh all chasing the two semi-final spots as they aim to stay out of the junior championship.

Swatragh will be relieved to have their dual players coming through unscathed in a cracking football game with Loup last weekend.

Ballinascreen won an Ulster Junior title in recent seasons. Swatragh will feel they left an Ulster intermediate championship behind them.

A win here will be vital but Swatragh’s more consistent run of results at a higher grade will make them favorites to pick up a second win.