Club Derry Under 17's Show Grit

Today the Club Derry Under 17's took part in their first Ulster blitz of the season. Derry were pitted against Down and Donegal in the blitz that took part in Ballymaguigan.

This was one of three blitz's that took place today. The top teams all qualify for for a final blitz on the 11th September. The second place teams come together to take part in the plate and the third place teams in a shield.

In the first game of the day Down beat Donegal with a few points to spare.

Derry then played Donegal at the 1.30pm throw in. The Derry team that started the Donegal game was as follows:

1. Niall Callan - Doire Trasna

2. Damian Barr - Slaughtmanus

3. Paul O'Kane - Magherafelt

4. Kieran McIntyre - Glack

5. Chrissy Henry - Ballymaguigan

6. Ferghal Shivers - Newbridge

7. Michael Kerr - Magherafelt

8. Ruairi Leonard - Coleraine

9. Conor Rafferty - Magherafelt

10. Adrian Trainor - Desertmartin

11. Stephen Lagan - Magherafelt

12. Eoghan Dooher - Ardmore

13. Antone McElhone - Magherafelt

14. Martin Downey - Ballymaguigan

15. Anthony O'Neill - Loup

Derry got off to a shaky start and found themselves 4 points down at half time, however after the lads regroup at the interval they got a grip on the game and didn't let it slip. Derry ran out winners 2-10 to Donegal's 3-05

The second game against Down came very quick after the first 50 minutes and it would be fair to say that the Derry players felt the effects.

The starting team vs Down was:

1. Niall Callan - Doire Trasna

2. Damian Barr - Slaughtmanus

3. Paul O'Kane - Magherafelt

4. Kieran McIntyre - Glack

5. Chrissy Henry - Ballymaguigan

6. Michael Warnock - Glen

7. Michael Kerr - Magherafelt

8. Ruairi Leonard - Coleraine

9. Conor Rafferty - Magherafelt

10. Anthony O'Neill - Loup

11. Martin Downey - Ballymaguigan

12. Ferghal Shivers - Newbridge

13. Antone McElhone - Magherafelt

14. Stephen Lagan - Magherafelt

15. Dermot McWilliams - Kilrea

Derry gifted Down an early goal and it took them 15 minutes of the first have to get the ball out of their own half, it was a terrible start that found Derry 7 points down at the interval. Much of the same for this half time talk again and needless to say the Derry players responded excellently, they gradually got back into the game and had Down hanging on. Derry ran out 1 point winners on a scoreline of 2-11 to 3-07.

We were missing a lot of players today for numerous reasons but the 17 players we had showed unbelievable fighting spirit. A special mention must got to Niall Callan who gratefully step in between the sticks as our two Goal keepers were both out injured.