Collins revives Derry but Down still survive

THE INTRODUCTION of Derry forward Oliver Collins transformed this substandard Ulster senior hurling semifinal and led to a memorable climax for the sparse attendance at Casement Park yesterday.

Down, with wind advantage, were leading 1-7 to 0-7, 12 minutes into the second half when Collins arrived on the scene to inspire a Derry attack that had managed just one point from play in the preceding 47 minutes.

Within nine minutes Collins had scored a point, set up another for his brother Michael and then put Derry in front when he connected with a cross from his brother in the 56th minute.

Down's inexperienced young side was in serious difficulty at this stage, and Derry would surely have qualified for their first final of modern times had John Dwyer not blazed a glorious goal chance over the bar three minutes later.

That let off restored Down's spirits. Tom Coulter and Martin Mallon drove them forward from the half back line and they rattled over seven unanswered points in the concluding nine minutes.

The final scoreline flattered Down as there was still just the puck of a ball between the sides after 70 minutes, before points from frees in injury time by Gary Savage and Noel Sands eased their anxieties.

Derry were unlucky. For long periods they had looked the better team and they will reflect ruefully on what might have been had their outstanding player been available from the start. Meanwhile, Down will view this battle as invaluable experience for their emerging young team.

. Antrim qualified for their first Ulster minor football championship final in 15 years when a late goal by Paul Close helped them to over come Cavan by 1-9 to 0-9 at Clones yesterday.

Antrim led by 0-5 to 0-4 at half time. When Andrew Coleman shot four excellent points to put Cavan back in front, Antrim showed their battling qualities. Close, who also contributed five points, struck the telling blow when he gathered Paddy Logan's cross to shoot to the net two minutes from the end.