Down overpower Derry with second-half blitz

Down 3-16 Derry 1-17:

A blistering second half scoring salvo from the Ardsmen, where they scored three quick-fire goals, overturned a two-point half-time deficit and laid the foundations for a comfortable win.

A lethargic opening by the hosts saw them trail 0-3 to 0-1 after 20 minutes. Down looked hungrier all over the pitch and appeared intent on exacting revenge for an earlier defeat in the season in the Christy Ring Cup. Derry talisman Ruairí Convery was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 5th minute and the omens looked ominous for Tom McLean’s men.