Match Report – City of Derry v Connemara 16-02-08
Connemara 25 City of Derry 19 Sat. 16 February 2008
Connemara travelled to Judges Rd. on Saturday for one of their most important fixtures this season so far. This was an eight pointer and with both teams in the relegation zone it was all to play for.
Derry had beaten Nenagh 20 -14 away and Connemara had gifted Nenagh a home win last week 21- 20. So this was always going to be a big ask for Connemara.
Derry started like a team that meant business and were unlucky not to have put points on the board as they relentlessly attacked the Connemara line in the opening 5 minutes. To add to Connemara’s problems they had a man sin binned in the fifth minute for a foot trip.
Derry failed to convert from the resulting penalty from a very kickable position.
Against the run of play Troy Nathan landed a penalty for Connemara in the tenth minute, 3-0 Connemara.
Connemara now got into the game and the backs started to play very attractive rugby and were rewarded in the twenty sixth minute with a wonderful try from Benny Bester. This was converted by Troy Nathan, 10-0 Connemara .Things were going well for Connemara and the loyal supporters that had travelled all the way to Derry felt we were in with a great chance.
In the 35th minute Derry got in for an easy try when Ioane picked up a ball and sprinted for the line. He went on to convert making it 10-7. Connemara responded well with a great try in the 39th minute from Ollie DeLappe this was after some of the best ball handling seen from the Connemara team this year The try was converted by Troy Nathan to make the score 17-7 at half time
In the 52nd minute Connemara went 20-3 ahead from a penalty by Troy Nathan.
Derry dug deep and were getting on top up front this was rewarded with a push over try in the 61st minute the failed to convert that left the score 20-12.
Memories of recent games where Connemara failed to put the game away came to mind but this was a team that had learnt from its past mistakes and in the 65th minute John O’Brien finished off a great move after a pass from Tomás King who was having the game of his life went in on the left to score a third try to make it 25-12 with 15 minutes to go. Was there a chance of a 4th try and a bonus point or would we settle for a win?
Derry realising that the game was slipping away from them put every thing they had into it at this stage and on the 75th minute were rewarded for their efforts with a try under the post which was converted, 25-19. With 5 minutes plus injury time to go Connemara dug deep and were never going to let this match slip away they played out the time in the Derry half of the pitch. It was some relief when the full time whistle went as this was Connemara’s first win in the North in some time.
This was a good away performance from an improving team and a well deserved victory and will give Connemara a boost they need for their home game next Saturday with 3rd placed Banbridge.
(P. Walshe)
