Orchard Robbery

While the footballers were busy recording a comfortable victory over Westmeath, Derry's hurlers were at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh committing "daylight robbery" (Brian McGilligan's words, not mine!). Four points down with just three minutes to play in this NHL fixture, Kevin Hinphey came to Derry's rescue scoring a goal and a point in the dying minutes, to finish the scoring at 1-10 apiece.

The Derry manager will have been disappointed with the level of his side's performance, but he appeared to be relieved at having at least salvaged a draw:

“Armagh were by far the better team over the hour’s hurling. We had a few new faces on show today but, even with that, we would have expected to win. We are mighty glad to come away with a point."

Last week I wondered if Derry could make a push for promotion out of Division 3A. Sunday's performance might well have diluted this hope, but Brian McGilligan's side, backboned by last year's successful U21 team, still has plenty of time to improve this season.

Improvement and progress are buzz-words in the Armagh camp also, and the Orchard-men have been making great noises over the past eighteen months about how they are closing the gap on the likes of the Oakleafers. Sunday's result certainly adds credence to the claim, but the Ulster Championship will be their true test. As it will be for Derry, where another performance like this won't see them get off scott free.