City of Derry young guns beat old rivals

City of Derry III...54YMCA II...7

LOCAL rivals fought for bragging rights at Judges Road on Saturday. City of Derry's third string was made up of an array of young talent. YMCA's seconds were composed of ageing but experienced players.

To their credit City of Derry thirds stood up to the task and comprehensively thrashed their rivals. They ran in ten tries.

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YMCA made their intentions clear at every breakdown, right from the start.

Given the recent history, when the thirds went to Drumahoe and scored over sixty points, it was clear the YMCA men would be up for the challenge.

From the kick off the YMCA were like a pack of hurting animals, and their pride and passion were evident at every confrontation.

But no matter what the YMCA did the resolve of the Derry boys was never in doubt.

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City of Derry thirds were led from the front by two old dogs themselves in O'Kane and Gillen. Their experience was invaluable in helping the young boys understand just what it takes to win a game of rugby.

Cool heads, stubbornness, support play and young fearless talent was the recipe for an enjoyable victory.

Adam McDuff put himself about. He made some excellent forward runs and was strong defensively, putting in some timely tackles. Jonny Scott was awesome in defence.

Second row Kaine Lynch and centre Emmett Glen were impressive as well. Steven Brennan pulled the strings from out-half, making a come back from injury.

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This game will be remembered for a long time, since there were two hat-tricks in the Derry thirds, unlike last week when there weren't any.

Evergreen John Laverty, who has shown great form all season, deservedly finished off three tries.

The other hero of the day was young Philip Patterson, playing at number eight. The former YMCA player took great pleasure in showing his old club exactly what they are missing by scoring a hat-trick.

This made it five tries in two games against his former team mates.

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Other tries were from winger Cathal Harkin and full back Chris Nutt. Flanker Jokin Eganna was outstanding.

The YMCA did get a try mid way through the second half after a rare visit into Derry's half. Even with all this going on, try of the day went to prop forward Eamon McIvor.

Eamon in defence ripped the ball out of a maul on the halfway line.

He tiptoed his way down the touchline and in full flight handed off three players.

He still had the strength to take two defenders with him over the line to score in the corner.

It was a moment neither he nor anyone else watching will forget for a long time.

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