Downings 0-11 Malin 0-9
Downings won a first Intermediate title in 30 years as they defeated Malin by two points in O’Donnell Park.
It was 0-4 apiece after 20 minutes as Downings took their chances when fouled with four frees from Patrick McElwee and Johnny McGroddy (3) being converted, while Malin hit early scores from a Sean O’Neill free, Terence Doherty and two from Christy McLaughlin, one from a free.
McElwee and Lorcan Connor but Downings back ahead going into the break but a super score from Matthew Byrne made it 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time.
It was nip and tuck after this with Connor and McLaughlin pointing for their respective sides, while McLaughlin levelled the game after a quick 1-2 with Byrne.
Shane Boyce pointed from close range from off the ground and a McGroddy effort from play gave Downings that two point cushion again but the Inishowen men weren’t giving up.
Sean O’Neill pointed a free but another two McGroddy frees left three in it.
O’Neill converted another free coming into the final five minutes and Brendan McLaughlin had a shot go inches wide from the goal in the seventh minute of added time as Downings held on to win.