Sport

Derry despatch lightweight challenge

Ulster champions Derry were hugely unimpressive in disposing of the lightweight challenge of London in yesterday's first semi…

Mon Jul 02 2001 - 01:00

Ulster champions Derry were hugely unimpressive in disposing of the lightweight challenge of London in yesterday's first semi-final at Casement Park.

Derry seemed a shadow of the side which had pushed Offaly so close in last season's quarter-final, displaying almost none of the fight they had shown that day at Croke Park. It was not until the 63rd minute of this match that Derry found the net, thanks to Tipperary native John O'Dwyer, and throughout they barely threatened the London goal.

Ten minutes before their goal, Derry had survived a scare when London half-forward Eric Kinlon had his penalty saved by keeper Kieran Stevenson, although justice was probably done as the award was a harsh one after full-forward Shane Linnane had gone down.

Reprieved by Stevenson's save, Derry finally found some form, pulling away to lead 20-11 before O'Dwyer found the net, first-timing the sliotar in after a high ball from Gary Biggs broke between McGonigle and full-back Rory Devlin.

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Derry finished strongly after that, however, they will be the first to admit that much improvement is required ahead of the Ulster final.

London were hardly testing opposition, only learning in the past fortnight that they would be allowed to participate after foot and mouth disease had prevented their footballers entering the Connacht championship. In addition, star forward Timmy Moloney was out through injury and centre half-back Tony Lohan was unavailable.

DERRY: K Stevenson; E McKeever, C Murray, R Lynch; F McEldowney, C McEldowney (capt.), B Ward; O Collins (0-6, two frees, two 65s), R McCloskey (0-1); Gregory Biggs (0-3), K McKeever, Gary Biggs (0-3); M Collins (0-2), G McGonigle (0-6, four frees), J O'Dwyer (1-2). Subs: P McKaigue for M Collins,50; Doherty for Gregory Biggs, 64; R Kennedy (0-1) for F McEldowney, 64.

LONDON: J Ryan; I Morrissey, R Devlin, R Dalton; M O'Reilly (capt.), D Breat= hnach, B Shortall; C Murphy, J Carmody; A McKenna, B Keane (0-3), E Kinlon (0-5, four frees); I Rocks (0-1), S Linnane (0-3), C Breen. Subs: J Woods forBreen, 57.

Referee: EMorris (Dublin).