Lynch's side start with a win

City of Derry 22

CITY of Derry started their new season on Saturday last when they travelled to Belfast Harlequins for a pre-season friendly which was used as training game with four twenty minute segments.

The weather conditions were ideal and it afforded the Derry coaching staff an opportunity to have a look at different combinations and introduce some new players.

Bevan Lynch’s side were quickly into their stride and did all the attacking for the first forty minutes, they showed good movement with both backs and forwards combining with some neat offloads in the tackle to keep continuity and control.

There were just five minutes gone when good forward play from Robin Craig and Stephen Ferguson produced quick ball on the Harlequins 22 meter line. Andrew Semple was able to combine quickly with Richard McCarter at out half who found full back Peter Henderson coasting into the line outside second centre to score a try which McCarter converted.

Derry introduced Eamonn McIvor, Richard Baird and Chris McDonnell into the pack on twenty minutes and they were soon in the thick of the action when following sustained Derry pressure inside the Quins 22 Andrew Semple pounced on quick ruck ball to score an unconverted try wide out on the left.

The Derry pack were well on top with Robin Craig and Philip Brady dominating the lineout and Srephen Corr, Richard Baird and Sam Duffy showing up well in the loose. Derry increased their lead on thirty five minutes when Philip Brady won a lineout 15 metres out and a controlled drive saw Captain Sam McAuley get the touchdown with a try which McCarter converted to give City of Derry a 19 points lead at the turn around.

Belfast Harlequins regrouped after the break and had the better of the second forty minutes. They scored three tries two of which were converted to bring the game level at 19pts all with ten minutes remaining.

City of Derry finished the game on top and had a few penalty’s near the end which they choose to kick to touch or run to allow set plays to be practiced. Derry finally got one more penalty and when the referee indicated the last play of the game Richard McCarter coolly slotted his kick from 40 meters to give Derry a deserved three point victory.

The Judges Road men continues their pre-season this weekend when they travel to Munster for two games in 24 hours.

Firstly they play All Ireland League Division 2 side Thomond Rugby Club in Limerick on Friday evening with a 7pm kick-off and then travel to Kerry to play Tralee on Saturday afternoon with a 3pm kick-off.