Derry’s bid for Christy Ring Cup honours got off to an encouraging start at Down’s expense in Portaferry today.

The Oak Leafers prevailed in this all-Ulster clash on a scoreline of 3-20 to 2-14.

Despite playing against the wind in the opening period, the visitors took a 3-9 to 1-5 lead into the breaks thanks to goals from Cormac O’Doherty (2) and Se McGuigan.

The winners were forced to play the last 25 minutes with 14 men after Cian Waldron was issued with his marching orders but they remained in control throughout.

Next on the agenda for Derry is Donegal in round 2 while the Mourne men will look to make amends for this result when they travel to Aughrim for a round 2 fixture against Wicklow.

Derry - S Kelly; C Kelly, S Cassidy, P Kelly; L Og Hinphey, M McGrath, C Waldron; M McGuigan (0-2), B Og McGilligan (0-1); P Cleary (0-2), S McGuigan (1-3), T Brady; R Mullan, M Craig (0-1), C O’Doherty (2-9, 0-6f, 1-1'65). Subs: R McCartney for C Kelly, G Bradley (0-1) for T Brady, T McHugh (0-1) for M McGuigan, N Waldron for L Og Hinphey, J Mullan for P Cleary.

Down - S Keith; T Murray, C Taggart, D Mallon; M Fisher, M Conlon, M Patterson; J McManus (0-1), D Toner; P Sheehan (0-2f), C O’Prey, T Prenter (0-2); D Sands, E Sands (1-0), O MacManus (0-8f). Subs: R McCrickard (1-0f) for P Sheehan, PJ Davidson (0-1) for C O’Prey.

Referee - S Stack.

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