THE race for the Fr Collins Cup begins for real this weekend with the semi-finals down for decision.

DERRY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

KEVIN LYNCH’S V SWATRAGH

Saturday, Sleacht Néílll, 4.45pm

KEVIN Lynch’s were the team to beat in Group B and nobody succeeded in doing it, Banagher were the closest and they only got to within seven points. Swatragh may give them a game but it’s Kevin Lynch’s to lose.

Verdict: Kevin Lynch’s

SLEACHT NÉILL V BALLINASCREEN

Sunday, Swatragh, 3.45pm

SLEACHT NÉILL, as always, are the team with the target on their back but no one has managed to master them yet. Ballinascreen performed well in Group B but won’t have enough to trouble the Derry kingpins.

Verdict: Sleacht Néíll

DERRY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP INTERMEDIATE/JUNIOR QUALIFIERS

The winners of the the qualifiers wlil join the beaten semi-finalists in the intermediate semi-finals, with the qualifier losers playing in the junior decider.

LAVEY V COLERAINE

Saturday, Sleacht Néill, 3pm

IT’S been a tough campaign for Eoghan Rua, who’ve lost all three of their outings so far in the campaign, most recently a heavy defeat to Banagher. Lavey on the other hand only lost one, a huge 18-point defeat to Slaughtneil, but should win this won.

Verdict: Lavey

BANAGHER V NA MAGHA

Sunday, Swatragh, 2pm

NA Magha haven’t had much joy in Group A, losing all three of their games to finish bottom of the group, but had Lavey on the ropes last weekend. While Banagher haven’t lit the world alight either, they will be confident of progressing to the next round.

Verdict: Banagher