City of Derry Ladies travelled to Malahide on Sunday for an AIL League game with only 13 players due to last minute work commitments & illness and secured a 4 try, bonus point win, 28-13.
The game was played in glorious conditions and, despite their lack of numbers, Derry spent the opening minutes camped in the Malahide 22 but couldn’t convert the pressure into points.
After 12 minutes Malahide broke from inside their 22 and only a superb covering tackle from Stacey Lea Kennedy prevented them scoring against the run of play.
Mid way through the half good work by Stacey & Diane Nixon in the Malahide 22 saw the ball spun across the backs and winger Natasha Milligan dived in to scored in the corner.
Malahide were soon back on level terms when, following a penalty, they scored a try wide out.
Approaching half time Malahide conceded 2 penalties both of which were converted by Rachel Lennox to give Derry an 11-5 lead at the interval.
At the start of the second half Malahide attacked the Derry line but good defensive work by the forwards secured the ball for Derry. Marina Cassidy passed to Diane who fed Natasha, the winger sprinted 90 meters, beating the cover defence, to score an unconverted try to increase the Derry lead.
Derry further increased their lead when, following a ruck, Glenda Mellon showed quick hands to free Natasha who ran in from 35 metres to complete her ‘hat trick’. Rachel Lennox converted and Derry led 23-5.
Against the run of play Malahide scored an unconverted try which was followed minutes later by a penalty try awarded by the referee against Derry which brought the score to 23-17.
Derry went back on the attack and with time running out Derry were awarded a penalty on the opposition 22. Captain Nixon elected to run the ball and with the last play of the game hooker Stacey Lea Kennedy crashed through the Malahide defence to score the forth try and secure a bonus point for Derry.
On a day when everyone on the team played their part it is hard to single anyone out. The pack were outstanding led by the Ulster trio of Stacey, Diane & Glenda. Susie Tinney led and marshalled the backs superbly, Bridin McDermott was tireless in defence & attack and Natasha Milligan rounded off a superb performance with 3 try’s.
Coach James Doherty said ‘This was a tremendous performance by all the players. What was really pleasing was the discipline, attitude, commitment and especially the team spirit the girls showed. The experienced players really stepped up when needed.’
