McEvoy joy as Derry hit top by extending their perfect start
Net gains: Odhran McKeever hit a hat-trick for Derry
IN Division 2B, Derry made it three wins from three on Saturday with a handsome 4-22 to 2-7 win over Warwickshire.
Odhran McKeever found the net twice in the first half with Tiarnan McHugh bagging another to help them into a 3-9 to 1-5 half-time lead.
McKeever completed his hattrick in the second period as the Oak Leafs piled on the scores to take the win.
John McEvoy’s team are now top of the table following their earlier wins over Down and London.
“We’re three from three and building. There’s a bit of competition coming into the squad, but we’ve picked up one or two knocks now that we’ll have to assess during the week,” McEvoy said.
“Next weekend is a different animal again going away to Roscommon — it’s a big trip, three hours, and we have to manage it the right way.”
Down are level with their Ulster rivals on six points having played a game more thanks to yesterday’s 2-25 to 0-17 win in London.
The Exiles had the better of the early exchanges, but Down edged ahead thanks to an Eoghan Sands goal on 11 minutes.
It was nip and tuck throughout the opening quarter of the game, but Down began to take control approaching the break with Oisin McManus prominent to help them into a 1-11 to 0-9 lead at the half.
The Ardsmen pushed on upon the resumption with McManus, Danny Toner and Pearse Og McCrickard all raising flags to move them 10 clear heading for the home straight.
McCrickard was to add a second goal with 12 to play as the points continued to flow and Ronan Costello got in on the act to help Down cruise home.
In Division 3A, it took a point five minutes into stoppage time from a Dean Gaffney free to see Armagh edge home against Louth 1-19 to 1-18, while Tyrone claimed a 0-23 to 1-15 win against Wicklow and Donegal overcame Monaghan by 1-15 to 1-5.