DERRY won their opening match in the inaugural Conor McGurk Hurling Tournament (supported by Downey Motors) at the Dub, pulling clear in the second half to defeat hosts Queen's University, Belfast by 2-16 to 0-10 at the weekend.
Aaron Kelly and Niall Ferris got the goals for the Oak Leafers, who fielded a strong side under the new management of Tom McLean. Interestingly, although two penalties were awarded and both were taken 'one-on-one', neither was converted.
Derry stalwart Ruairi Convery took his side's penalty, but was denied by a superb save from Queen's goalkeeper Michael Keown.
Then Alan Grant's effort for Queen's against his native county totally missed the target.
Despite those penalty misses, both Convery and Grant (right) performed well for their respective sides, each operating as their team's respective free-taker.
Derry also had impressive performances in their defence from corner-back Eugene McGuckin and half-back Brendan Quigley.
Queen's best performers were further up the field, including Dermot Begley at midfield, Maol Connolly at half-forward, and Christopher McGuinness, who played a full game at full-forward after returning from injury. The Oak Leafers will be back in action this Friday night, taking on Down at 7.30pm at the Queen's Academy pitch. The Ardsmen lost their opener against Armagh.
The Orchardmen will face Queen's at 1.30pm on Saturday, January 10 on the Queen's hurling pitch, with a third series of round robin fixtures the following weekend, before the final between the top two takes places on Friday, January 23 at the Queen's Arena.