Drumahoe men cruise to victory

A young and inexperienced City of Derry Thirds took to the field against local rivals YMCA at Drumahoe playing fields on Saturday, in what was classed as a 'friendly' match between the two teams.

The Mighty Thirds' preparations had been severely disrupted over the previous few days leading up to the game, with several players dropping out from key positions.

As a result Derry had to shuffle their team, with several players playing in unfamiliar positions, and the game had to be played with uncontested scrums from the kick off due to a lack of experienced front row players.

Both teams started brightly with neither team dominating the early exchanges. Excellent Derry defence constantly drove the YMCA attack back and kept them at bay for the majority of the first half.

Derry had a real chance to open the scoring mid-way through the first half when number 8 John Laverty picked from the base of the scrum and drove deep into YM territory only to be brought down five metres short of the line, Derry recycled the ball well and looked odds on to score out wide only for a knock-on to deny them the opening score.

YM gradually worked there way back up the field and scored the first try after a series of quick penalties and several phases of play saw them eventually break down the Derry defence.

They added a second try moments later when the ball squirted out the side of a ruck for there winger to gather up and run in unopposed from 30 metres out.

Derry re-grouped at half time but could not cope with the opposition in the second half who introduced several substitutes and the fresh legs were a major factor in adding another 3 tries for the home team.

The scoreline was flattering to the YM but still could have been more had it not been for great defensive work from Emmet Glen and Cathal Cregan and a last ditch Mal Kelly tackle to keep them at bay.

Derry's young team were beaten but not disheartened, the re-introduction of several senior thirds players should play a key role in their opening league fixture next Saturday, away to Ards.