Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

Again Derry took the game to Bann through their forwards. Great work from the ever improving Ross Haughey saw him turn over the ball in a ruck and quick thinking from Josh Cromie saw the ball flashed out to Jason Jardine to score left of the posts. Derry got reward for their possession when poor tackling from Bann allowed their winger to race in around the back of the defence to leave them just 10-7 in arrears at the break.

A quick score for Jason Jardine followed by one by the City of Derry out-half quickly brought the score 15-12 within 5 minutes of the re-start. Bann knew they had to re-organize their defence and some stern words from captain Alex Megaw seemed to spur the boys into action. Three Bann scores followed, firstly when Cameron Cromie quickly changed the direction of play, caught the Derry defence on the open side and weaved over to score and convert his own try.

Megaw, who could probably play anywhere on the pitch, popped up in the centre and fended off three tacklers to score under the posts. With Bann on the attack again a scrum deep in the Derry "22" saw Josh Cromie score his now trademark try when he picked up from the base of the scrum and fended off the defence to score under the posts. Derry had the final say with the last two tries to bring the final score to 36-26.

Derry travelled to Rifle Park with a very positive attitude, making Bann work hard for their win. Through some poor tackling and low numbers at rucks Derry were able to capitalize on Bann's inability to turn training ground routine drills into practice on the pitch.

Best player for Bann on the day was flanker Haughey, who just joined the club this season. His work rate and attitude on and off the pitch are second to none. He is always first onto the pitch and leads by example. His regular turnovers are invaluable to the team and have set up many tries, including his own maiden score for the club in the away victory at Ballynahinch.