Shock Absorbers

They may have suffered defeats in the first round of the Derry SFC, but last year's finalists Ballinderry and Slaughtneil will still have a major say in the outcome of this year's competition.

And it's all thanks to the new back-door system. There was some opposition across Derry to the new championship format, but it's bound to have found a few new friends after the weekend's results.

Lavey caused the biggest surprise by securing a 1-09 to 0-10 victory over current holders and pre-championship favourites Ballinderry, while Swatragh also had two points to spare in their 2-05 to 0-09 win over local rivals Slaughtneil.

Coleraine came close to causing a third major upset, but they lost out by a single point to Bellaghy (0-10 to 1-06). Ballinascreen were impressive in their demolition of Castledawson (2-13 to 0-07), while Newbridge, Dungiven, Kilrea and Glenullin also registered victories.

The eight clubs who lost their first round games, must win two successive games to reach the last eight. The first round winners hold the advantage of getting two bites at the quarter-final cherry.

But the Shamrocks and Slaughtneil will still fancy their chances. The back-door draw has pitted them against Banagher and Coleraine respectively; games that should help them get their championship aspirations back on track. In fact, Ballinderry still assume favouritism (6/4) for the Derry SFC. This alone provides a clear indication of how little the first round defeat is likely to affect them.

Meanwhile, in the secound round 'winners' draw, Lavey have been rewarded with a game against Bellaghy while Swatragh will meet Glenullin.