City of Derry Rugby Club’s Under 15’s created history on Saturday last at Ravenhill, Belfast when they defeated Banbridge to win the Cup for the first time at that age level. Banbridge came into the game as firm favorites but by the end they were comprehensively beaten by four try’s to two by a Derry team that showed a commitment and a sense of purpose to play fifteen man rugby and attack at every opportunity.
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The conditions were perfect for rugby on Saturday last at Headquarters and the large Derry crowd of supporter’s waited in anticipation for the game to start. Banbridge showed confidence early and were soon on the attack and had Derry pinned inside their own 22 for the first ten minutes. The overwhelming pressure eventually created an overlap for the Banbridge backs to move the ball left and score an unconverted try wide out for a 5pts to nil lead.
The Derry boys were unfazed by their initial start and came straight back at Banbridge from the kick-off. The Derry back row of Ashley Doherty, Daniel O’Driscoll and Isiah Morris suddenly were dominating in the loose and at the breakdown and along with second rows Corey Logan and David Lynch they were producing go forward ball for our half Daniel Seaman and full back Ryan McMenamin who looked dangerous all through. Good driving by Adam Welch and Ittai Raz created space for Daniel O’Driscoll to pick and go from the back of a ruck to crash over the line for an unconverted try to level the scores at 5pts all with fifteen minutes gone.
The game was turning out to be a classic with both team committed to attack at every opportunity. Banbridge were always dangerous as they had the advantage of a strong wind all first half. The Derry defense was continually tested but great work from centers Jack Dixon and Jordan Connor and scrum half Conor Walton kept the Bann at bay. Banbridge eventually broke the Derry line following quick ruck ball and good hands and they scored a converted try to take the lead of 12pts to 5pts to the half time break.
Derry started the second half with the advantage of the strong wind and powerful running from wingers Lorcan McLaughlin and Ryan Walker had Banbridge on the back foot. Derry almost scored from a great run from Walker on fifteen minutes but a last ditch tackle saw him ushered into touch. Derry won the line out through Corey Logan and he caused panic in the Banbridge defense with a massive drive before offloading to Lorcan McLaughlin to score a memorable unconverted try to reduce the arrears at 12pts to 10pts for Banbridge.
The Derry backs were getting good go forward ball following good driving from Gary Graydon, David Mulrine and Richard Olphert and with quality ball Captain Daniel Seaman was pulling the strings to bring Jack Dixon and Jordon Connor more into the game. Pressure told for Derry and on twenty minutes when they took the lead for the first time following a try from Daniel Seaman when he chipped the defense after good play from Ryan McMenamin and with Seaman winning the race to touchdown and converting Derry had the lead by 17pts to 12pts.
Derry were not to be denied and constant pressure allowed the outstanding Ryan McMenamin get in for an unconverted try with just seven minutes reaming to give the Derry boys a 22pts to 12pts lead. Daniel Seaman had the final say when he kicked a penalty in injury time to seal a famous victory on a score line of 25pts to 12pts.
City of Derry Youth Convener Malcolm Montgomery said after the game as Daniel Seaman collected the Cup among wild scenes of enjoyment form Players, Parents and Club Members “credit must go to Head Coach Christy Curran and his Assistant Derek Young who have given their time their time to coaching these boys some of whom only started playing rugby last September. The Clubs investment in their cross community youth project of bussing boys from Protestant and Catholic Areas is paying off not only on the pitch as shown today but also off the pitch as the boys make life long friendships. These boys are a special group and it is hoped that many of them will go on to play senior rugby for City of Derry”.
City of Derry U15 Team : Ryan McMenamin, Lorcan McLaughlin, Jordan Connor, Jack Dixon, Ryan Walker, Daniel Seaman, Conor Walton, Gary Graydon, Adam Welch, Ittai Raz, Corey Logan, David Lynch, Daniel O’Driscoll, Ashley Doherty, Isiah Morris, Replacements; David Whiteside, David Olphret, John McShane, David Mulrine, Devan Delaney.
