Although the pitch was in excellent condition the very strong wind straight down the pitch and the intermittent rain made this a difficult game for both teams. City of Derry kicked off with the wind in their backs needing a comfortable lead by half time to stand any chance of willing. From the kick off Randalstown were held in their own half and after 10 minutes the City of Derry forwards produced several good drives with Rudi Moore going over to open the scoring. David Murdock converted to give City of Derry a 7-0 lead.
Both sides kept the ball tight. Randalstown were dominating the set scrums but the City of Derry forwards were doing well in the loose play. Lineouts were a little scrappy due to the wind. Randalstown secured a penalty just inside the City of Derry but the kick was just wide. City of Derry shortly after secured a penalty just inside the Randalstown half which David Murdock put over to give City of Derry a 10-0 lead. Randalstown defended well considering the conditions. Shortly before half time City of Derry had a line out close to the Randalstown line. Stephen Duffy pealed off the back to feed Chris McDonald who drove over for a well taken try and leave the score 15- 0 at half time. Both sides were keeping the ball tight with Randalstown defending well. City of Derry did not use the wind to any great advantage and at half time a 15-0 lead seemed not enough.
Randalstown kicked off the second half and playing with the wind put City of Derry under immense pressure with several 5-metre scrums on the City of Derry line. City of Derry in some confusion failed to play the ref’s whistle and Randalstown’s Alex Fleck dribbled the ball over the line for a try to bring the score back to 15-5. Although most of the play continued in the City of Derry half some good handling by the City of Derry forwards and backs resulted in a well taken try by Ian Bratton to give City of Derry a 20-5 lead. Randalstown came back with constant driving by their forwards and were rewarded with a good try by Peter McWhirter converted by Peter McCann to reduce the City of Derry lead to 20-12. Despite Randalstown pressure City of Derry held on for a well deserved win in a game that showed considerable skill by both teams.
The Randalstown coach was pleased with his team’s performance in the tough conditions. James Doherty was delighted with his team’s win after a run of defeats. He was especially pleased with the defensive play and discipline showed by his players both during the match and their commitment to training.
City of Derry
Jason McDermott, Conor Cummings, Ian Bratton, Stephen Brennan, Rudi Moore, David Murdock, Ian Vance, Biron McIvor, Stephen Duffy, Cairon Allen, Mark Spencer, Adam McDuff, Barry McLaughlin, Peter McCartney, Chris McDonald (Capt.)
