City of Derry Rugby Club make just two changes to their them for their Ulster League Fixture this Saturday against Banbridge at home. Their outstanding No 8 Stephen Ferguson returns to bolster an already strong pack with Richard Baird moving to wing forward and Jonny Lyons dropping to the bench.
The only change in the backs sees Simon Logue coming in on the wing in place of Philip Duffy. Derry Coach Mark Nicholl keeps the same half back partnership as last week against Belfast Harlequins which had Mark Robinson a recent Club signing at out half with Jack Caithness at Scrum Half.
Derry were disappointed with last weeks loss away to Harlequins which saw them winning 14pts to 3 pts deep into injury time. Quinns produced a dream finish scoring two trys in the last two minutes to score 12pts and win on a final score of 15pts to 14pts.
Derry will be hoping to turn things around this weekend at Judges Road when they take on a Banbridge team they have beaten them each time in their last six encounters in all competitions since their return to Senior Rugby in Season 2010-2011.
Banbridge and Derry have both played six games in the Ulster League this season both winning three times. The All Ireland League sees City of Derry Played 7, Won 5, Drew 1 and lost 1 with their only defeat last time out away to Queens. Derry are joint second with Queens in AIL Division 2A two points behind Ballymena whom Derry play next in the AIL at home on Saturday the 11th January 2014. Banbridge’s record in AIL 2A is Played 6, Won 2 and Lost 4 and are 13th in the League. Their most significant victory was a 17pts to 15pts victory away to Ballymena and last time out they defeated Rainey 29pts to 10pts.
Derry will be hoping for a big Christmas crowd at Judges Road on Saturday which sees not only their 1st XV play Banbridge but their 2nd XV also plays Banbridge at 2.30pm. Derry’s second team sees the return to action of former 1st XV players Bob McKillop, David Witherow, Chris McDonald and Stephen Duffy and between them they should add to an already strong pack.
There will be a Members Lunch on Saturday 1pm @ Judges Road. Cost £10
Please Contact Neil Stewart on 077086635597 or William Lynn on 07771608084 to reserve place.
also
The Joker Draw will take place again on Saturday with a Jackpot of £700
Everyone Welcome
City of Derry RFC 1st XV Team V Banbridge: Gareth Beattie, Cathal Cregan, Sam Duffy, Chris Cooper, Paul McFeely, Stephen Corr, Richard Baird, Stephen Ferguson, Jack Caithness, Mark Robinson, Jack Hargan, Neil Burns, Josh Lewis, Simon Logue, Andrew Semple. Replacements: Jason Mitchell, Jonny Lyons, Ross Scott, Adasm Bratton.
Cityof Derry RFC 2nd XV Team V Banbridge; Ross Harkin, Ryan Spratt, Michael Hanna, Bob McKillop, Gerard Doherty, Chris McDonald, Stephen Duffy, David Witherow, Phil Duffy, David Murdock, Ian Bratton, Chris Killen, Stephen Brennan, Mario Giacomoti, David Devine.
