Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

Bann had a good period in the middle of the half and scored tries through William Cousins and John Buller, but indiscipline and a lack of concentration allowed Derry to score a try at the end of the half to add to an earlier score. At half time Derry were ahead 14 - 12 and their superiority in the rucks and mauls was looking ominous.

As the second half progressed Bann played the majority of the game in their own half as Derry continued to dominate the breakdown and use their pack effectively. The Bann players had to repeatedly defend their own goal line but they showed a determined attitude which was critical in keeping the opposition mauls out.

Charlie Wright and Adam Buller stepped up a gear and led the way stealing the ball and leading critical break-outs which resulted in Troy Pinion scoring a try to give Bann the lead again.

City of Derry's kick-off direction was switched at the last moment but Hayden Kerr fielded it well, made good ground and connected with Wright who scored a try after some hard running through tackles. However just as Bann were beginning to relieve the pressure on the scoreboard, City of Derry scored another try through their dependable rolling maul to bring the scores to 19-24.

Struggling to keep their slight lead with Derry's maul working so well, Bann began to concede penalties due to off-sides and hands in the ruck and had to work hard to defend their goal line; Chris Bennett put in some great tackles in this phase of the game. Adam Buller led an end-to-end breakout hacking the ball ahead from chasing players, but the resulting try was disallowed due to obstruction.

It fell to Cousins to lift the siege with a great try after another scrambled breakaway before another try at full time sealed the away win.

City of Derry's after-match refreshments were outstanding ... great hosts.