Bellaghy claimed their 18th Derry football title yesterday when they won a magnificent encounter with Ballinderry at Dean McGlinchey Park, Ballinascreen thanks to a late point. A 15th-minute goal from half back Louis McPeake set Bellaghy on their way. However, the accuracy of Gavin Diamond and Gerard Cassidy from frees ensured that the teams went in level.

Neither side broke clear in the second half until Bellaghy, a point up, broke upfield for Damien Cassidy to score the insurance point.

BELLAGHY: K O'Neill; P Downey, C Diamond, Peter Diamond; L McPeake (1-0), C McNally, G Doherty; Paul Diamond, F Doherty; G Diamond (0-8, seven frees), K Diamond, J Cassidy (0-2); E Cassidy, C Scullion, D Cassidy (0-1). Subs: J Mulholland for C Scullion; D Quinn for G Doherty.

BALLINDERRY: M Conlon; P Wilson, N McCusker, D Crozier; C McCusker, R McGuckin, O Bell; M Wilson (0-1), E Muldoon; B McCusker (0-3), C Gilligan (0-1), A McGuckin; D Bateson, G Cassidy (0-6, 5 frees), D Conway (0-1). Subs: J Conway for B McCusker; J Bell for Bateson.

Referee: D Kearney.