Ballinderry Shamrocks

A fancied Ballinderry duly qualified for the semi-finals of the Elk Derry SFC with an impressive 3-16 to 1-7 win over a gallant Kilrea side.

The Kilrea side matched their opponents for most of the opening quarter. Then a Raymond Wilkinson converted penalty for the Ballinderry side seemed to kickstart their effort, and by the interval they were ahead by nine points 1-9 to 0-3.

Ballinderry dominated the second-half right from the off, and with their midfield pairing of James Conway and Kevin McGuckin dominating this vital sector there was no way back for the Kilrea side. A brace of goals from county star, Colin Devlin in the 39th and 49th minutes ended the game as a contest, as Ballinderry now under no real pressure turned on the style to run out convincing winners in a one-sided contest and book their semi-final place against Glenullin next week-end.

Kilrea to their credit tried their best to make a game of it. However, Ballinderry once they build up a lead were never going to be caught and some of their approach play and score taking in this game was of the highest calibre. They are still the team to beat in Derry senior football, but can expect a much tougher test in the forthcoming semi-final against Glenullin especially if the Bradley brothers are on song.

Ballinderry scorers were – Colin Devlin 2-5, 0-3 from frees; Raymond Wilkinson 1-0 from a penalty; Conleith Gilligan 0-4, 2 frees, M. McIver 0-2, J. Conway, M. Harney, F. Muldoon and J. Bateson 0-1 apiece.

Kilrea scorers were – G. Deighan 1-0, J. Kielt 0-2, one free, C. Kielt 0-2, P. Deighan. C. Quigg and J. Donaghy 0-1 apiece.