Derry had 15 points to spare over Armagh in their provincial U21 hurling championship semi-final at Crossmaglen tonight, 3-19 to 1-10.

The winners - whose goals were scored by Brian Cassidy, Cormac O'Doherty and Thomas Magee - will meet holders Antrim in the decider in seven days' time, with the Glensmen having defeated Down in tonight's other semi-final.

Throw-in at Cross' was delayed for 15 minutes but the visitors hit the ground running and Cassidy's goal ensured that the Oak Leaf County led by two points after ten minutes, 1-2 to 0-3. It was triple scores by the midway stage in the first half, with O'Doherty supplying the second Derry major - 2-3 to 0-3.

Slaughtneil dual star Cormac O'Doherty
starred at full-forward for Derry tonight. 
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan.

The winners registered five of the next nine points to lead by seven and double scores at the break, 2-8 to 0-7.

The match was effectively done and dusted when Magee claimed the third Derry three-pointer, although the Orchard County refused to give up and hit back quickly with a goal of their own, from a Connor McAnallen penalty.

But Derry powered over the winning line to maintain their bid for a first Ulster U21 title since 2008. Their opponents in next week's decider have won the silverware every year since.

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