Derry Intermediate Championship semi final preview

The Derry Intermediate Championship is down to the final four, with the semi-finals taking place this weekend at Owenbeg.

Only one of these sides have lifted this championship in the last 10 years, when Banagher secured the trophy in 2018.

Faughanvale v Drumsurn

Owenbeg - Saturday - 6:15 pm

Faughanvale come into this fixture as favourites as they seem to have found form late in the group stage, and they disposed of Castledawson in the last round expertly.

A victory would put them in the final for the first time since 2017, as they look to win their first intermediate championship this century.

However, many of this Faughanvale squad were part of the 2015 Junior Football Championship-winning side.

Fans of the club will be happy to see their players finding consistent form after a mixed start to the campaign, with nobody knowing which Faughanvale would show up, championship contenders who earned promotion to the senior league this year, or a performance similar to those from last season that had them in the relegation playoff with Slaughtmanus.

Drumsurn come into this game as underdogs, but will be extremely confident after shocking Foreglen.

This victory was convincing, as they won 2-15 to 1-8, with little to nobody expecting this before going into the match.

Again, they are expected to be up against it, but this is when they thrive; that underdog tag seems to be inspirational to the club.

Reaching the final in 2022, only to lose to Glenullin on the narrowest of margins. 

The team will have their eyes set on lifting the trophy that they haven’t done since 1991, but as professional as they are, they know they must overcome a strong Faughanvale.

It will prove to be a tight game, with both sides impressing when it matters. Should both carry on their form from last time out, it promises to be quite the encounter.

Ballinderry v Banagher

Owenbeg - Sunday - 2 pm

Ballinderry come into this game as heavy favourites, as they look to continue their perfect record in this championship.

Shamrocks have never won the competition, despite having 13 senior championship victories and 2001 All Ireland club champions.

The two sides have faced off already in the competition, which Ballinderry held Banagher at arms length throughout, and many will expect the same result.

Their opponents shocked everyone to reach this round, as they defeated Eoghan Rua after extra time.

Coleraine had been reduced to 14 men in the first half and fought admirably to force Banagher to extra time.

Banagher will need a better performance if they are to challenge Ballinderry for a place in the final on October 27.

Neutrals may expect a fixture that sees Ballinderry flex their muscles as they prepare for an appearance in the final; however, Banagher are not a side to just allow the favourites to waltz into a final, as they upset the odds last time out against Eoghan Rua.