Derry will meet Antrim in what is effectively the Ulster under 21 hurling final next week following their emphatic victory over Down at Ballinascreen on Wednesday night, July 25.

Derry…..4-18
Down…..2-4

The championship is being run on a round-robin basis this year and the winners of next Wednesday’s clash will progress to the All-Ireland series. The writing was on the wall for the visitors after just 10 minutes when they found themselves 0-0 to 0-8 in arrears. The Oak Leafers tagged on a further six points without reply before Down eventually opened their account. Michael O’Prey scored a Down goal late in the first half, but they still trailed by 1-2 to 0-15 at the break.

Down reduced the gap before Derry took complete control with goals from Oisin McCloskey, Gavin Kelly, Sam Dodds and Kevin O’Neill. The demoralised visitors managed a late consolation goal from Eoin McGuinness.