Another bonus point victory for Lynch's men

City of Derry...36

CITY of Derry secured an impressive bonus point victory at Dromore on Saturday.

This fixture is normally a tough one for any side - only a few weeks ago when Derry’s promotional rivals Armagh faced them, it took until the last two minutes to secure the all important bonus point.

Derry travelled to Branry Park with the task of taking on a full strength Dromore side in the table topping clash of the Kukri Qualifying league, under no illusion this would be a tough ask to get a victory with a bonus point.

However, the Derry team methodically wore down the stout Dromore defence with a very clinical first half display. Ryan Campbell scored after four minutes when turnover ball was quickly moved to his flank and he fended past the cover to score out wide. The try was unconverted by Mark O’Connor who was to have an indifferent day with the boot.

However, O’Connor’s kicking out of hand was superb and a raking 50 metres penalty clearance saw the Derry lineout set five metres from the Dromore line.

Lord of the lineouts - David Houston secured possession and the Derry pack shunted their way over with Sam McAuley adding to his season’s impressive tally.

Derry showed good patience and went through the phases and had the Dromore defence well stretched. David Witherow, McAuley and Sam Duffy spearheaded a dominant scrum and centres Jared Bennett and David Funston with front foot ball from the forwards were hard to contain. However it was a strong carry from Steven Corr with David Houston there to provide the link to impressive kiwi loose forward Karl Gemmel to secured third try for Derry.

Unfortunately, Derry characteristically failed to gain field possession from the kick off and a turnover saw Dromore’s first venture into the Derry 22 of the half produce a seven pointer. Dromore who were totally outplayed turned around at the half still in touch with Derry leading 15-7.

The second half saw territory shared with both teams trading blows between the 22s but an outstanding offload by flanker Karl Gemmel unlocked the Dromore defence and winger Simon Logue scampered 35 metres to secure Derry’s fourth try and the all important bonus point.

Dromore struck back almost immediately with some inept defence by Derry’s outside backs, yet again Derry found themselves with a less than a convincing 20-12 scoreline.

The visitors’ reply was swift and some excellent continuity saw hard working prop David Witherow pick and go for his first try of the season. A poor clearing kick from Dromore saw player of the day Jared Bennett combine with David Funston in a first class counter attack try which Mark O’Connor converted to give Derry a 32-12 scoreline.

Unfortunately for Derry they started to lose their shape and despite Dromore having a reputation of finishing poorly it was the County Down men who upped the tempo as they chased the game. Outhalf and Ulster Colleges player James Thompson was a constant threat and with Derry falling off tackles they scored two converted tries in the 70th and 76th minute to come within one score of the exhausted Derry unit. The North West supporters and players alike were relieved when referee Dan Care blew for full-time.

Coach Bevan Lynch praised his players efforts over the last fortnight which has seen them play an AIL Final and four league fixtures. “To play over 400 minutes of rugby in 14 days is a big ask of any team and I am extremely proud of the lads. Credit must go to Dromore today who I thought were the most positive side we have played this year.

“I am sure their supporters enjoyed their fight back and I again apologise to our own loyal supporters for the close finish but in saying that the dream is still alive.”

Derry resume their hectic league campaign on Saturday at Judges Road when they host mid-table Cooke before the local derby against Limavady, which takes place on Tuesday, February 23.