Derry Intermediate Championship: Quarterfinal weekend

The Derry Intermediate Championship is set to enter the quarterfinal stage this weekend, all clubs knowing it is their last chance saloon now.

Castledawson v Faughanvale

Owenbeg - Friday - 7:30 pm

An incredible game to kick off the knockout stage of the competition with little to separate the two teams.

Faughanvale started the championship incredibly slowly before clicking into gear against current champions Glenullin before running favourites Foreglen close.

They have the talent and players to win the competition, but only if they manage to hit top form.

Castledawson, though, will prove a stern test, as they finished second in their group.

They played some delightful football at times, and if they carry that into this fixture, it promises to be the best game of the round.

Eoghan Rua v Banagher

Celtic Park - Saturday - 2:45 pm

Coleraine did not win a game this season until the championship and were relegated to the intermediate division after defeat to Glenullin in the play-off.

However, everything has changed since then, as they have been impressive in the competition, beating Faughanvale in an impressive manner, while a draw away in Foreglen demonstrated to everyone that they mean business.

Banagher have done well to this point, only losing to Castledawson and Ballinderry.

An imposing opening victory against local rivals Claudy, conceding only one point in that game, got people talking about the club.

However, this will prove a challenge for the club, but don’t rule them out as they pushed Castledawson to within a point.

Foreglen v Drumsurn

Celtic Park - Saturday - 4:30 pm

Foreglen are yet to taste defeat in the championship this season, and last time out they confidently dispatched an inform Faughanvale.

The club have been free flowing in attack, with Caolan O’Connor displaying all his quality in the forward line, particularly with his late levelling score against Eoghan Rua to tie the game.

Drumsurn, meanwhile, may have hoped to come into this game in better form, having only won two championship games.

A loss last time out against Banagher will have been deflating, but to underestimate the 2022 finalists would be detrimental for Forglen.

There are quality players on the Drumsurn side, and if given the chance, they can make any side pay.

With this being a free hit for them, expect a tight battle between the two clubs.

Ballinderry v Glenullin

Owenbeg - Sunday - 12 pm

An eye-watering fixture to round off the quarterfinals between the favourites for the trophy and the current champions.

Glenullin have had a successful season as they gained promotion to the senior league and are in search of their third consecutive championship.

However, in their last two fixtures they have not performed as they conceded a total of 10-28 in their defeats to Faughanvale and Desertmartin.

Ballinderry will prove to be another test, as they have won every game to this point and looked imperious throughout. 

All the pressure will be on Ballinderry, as they are heavy favourites for the fixture, and so it could prove to be an intriguing game.

If Ballinderry turn up, they will win, but don’t rule out Glenullin, who love to upset the odds.