By Michael McMullan
BALLYMAGUIGAN have backed up last year’s historic first Derry Senior title with winning this season’s league.
It is the culmination of years of underage dominance at underage level and is the perfect lead in ahead of their championship defence.
They are paired in a group with a first game neighbours Magherafelt followed by a repeat of last year’s epic final with Steelstown.
Ballymaguigan’s neighbours Newbridge will find out who they face in next week’s Derry SFC draw.
The O’Learys ended their 35-year famine to land the Senior Championship last season and will have Derry defender Paudi McGrogan back in the fold after his missed the memorable campaign.
The Derry championship draws will take place next Thursday (July 24) for the football and hurling championships.
Derry CCC have brought back the back-door format to the John McLaughlin Cup race, replacing the group stages.
There has been an increase from 12 teams to 16 with last season’s intermediate semi-finalists – Ballinderry, Faughanvale, Banagher and Drumsurn – all promoted.
Newbridge won the league with two games to spare. Dungiven and Glen lie behind them.
The bottom team will be relegated to Division Two with the team in 15th
place facing a play-off wit the runner up in Division Two.
As it stands, Castledawson are bottom with just two points. Ballinderry are on five points with a game in game. Above that, Sleacht Néill are on eight points with four games still to play.
The ‘Dawson face Magherafelt when the league resumes next Wednesday with Round 14.
Sleacht Néill are at home to Kilrea with Ballinderry welcoming Ballinascreen to Shamrock Park.
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