Ladies move into third spot

CITY of Derry Ladies moved into third place in the league after a 20-5 win at home against Longford on Sunday.

The girls are now only two points behind the league leaders. The opening exchanges were fiercely contested with both defences being put to the test.

After 12 minutes Longford gave away a penalty following a scrum infringement just outside their 22 and Rachel Lennox kicked the three points.

Rachel further increased the lead to 6-0 with her second penalty when Longford gave away another penalty in a similar position.

Mid-way through the half the Derry centres were caught offside but the Longford kicker missed a simple chance to open their scoring.

With half time approaching Stacey Lea Kennedy stole the ball at a maul on the Derry 22 and fed the backs. They moved the ball swiftly to debutant winger Ciara McGurk who showed great footwork to make 50 metres before passing to Glenda Mellon who was in support and she showed good speed to score by the posts and Rachel converted to give Derry a half time lead of 13-0.

Both defences dominated the early second half exchanges. After 15 minutes sustained Longford pressure saw them score an unconverted try to reduce the Derry lead.

The home side rallied after this set back and soon increased their lead again when the forwards won good ball to free centre Kelly Holmes who broke through the Longford defence to score from 40 metres. Rachel added the points for the conversion and Derry led 20-5.

The bigger Longford pack continued to attack the Derry line but the tackling was superb especially from Natasha Milligan, who improves with every game.

Longford managed to get over the Derry line once more but the experienced Lea Kennedy and Mellon managed to get under the ball to prevent a try and Derry held out to win 20-5.

The girls now have a three week break before the next league game away to Enniskillen while the Women's Inter Provincial Championship is played.

Everyone at the club wishes all the Derry girls - Glenda Mellon, Stacey Lea Kennedy, Rachael Fleming, Rachel Lennox and Bridin McDermott - involved in the Ulster squad every success.