In the Elk Derry SFC game at St. Oliver Plunkett Park, Greenlough on Wednesday, 29th of August, former champions, Bellaghy had their first SFC victory of the season when they defeated a gallant Swatragh side on a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-12.
This win ensures the Bellaghy side a place in the knock-out stages of the championship.
Bellaghy started this game in impressive fashion and after twenty minutes play they were ahead by 0-5 to 0-2 and playing some excellent football. However, Swatragh worked their way back into the game, and at the interval they reduced the leeway to a single point 0-6 to 0-5.
Swatragh upped their performance at the start of the second-half and at the end of the third quarter they were on level terms 0-8 apiece. The final quarter of this game was close and exciting with both sides missing chances to pull away. With time almost up and Bellaghy winning by a point 0-13 to 0-12, Swatragh had a chance to level the scores, but instead tried to win the game. It was a gamble that failed and Bellaghy survived and stayed in the championship, but only just.
Bellaghy scorers were - Eoghan Brown 0-6, Joe Diver 0-3, Ronan Rocks 0-2, one free; Kieran McNally and Kevin Doherty 0-1 apiece.
Swatragh marksmen were - Michael Kirkpatrick 0-6, 2 frees; Ruairi Convery 0-4, R. McWilliams and S. Bradley 0-1 apiece.