City of Derry RFC 1st XV Match Report
(vs Malahide, 10/11/18)

CDRFC RFC 32 - 12 Malahide RFC

City of Derry’s recent slide continued at the weekend as they were well beaten by Malahide at Estuary Road. It is now three defeats in a row for the Judges Road team, whose early season promotion hopes are now fading fast.

Derry came out and within the first two minutes had set the standard by immediately dominating the game and setting up an attacking platform which gave Richard Mc Carter time and space to deliver a pass to an on rushing Davy Graham, who was on hand to finish. McCarter converted to give the visitors the perfect start.

Malahide had a well drilled and organised back line that showed no fear in running at Derry, this fast and frantic pace paid dividends when full back Shane McDonald got in at the corner, conversion missed. 5-7.

Wave after wave of attack saw Derry getting caught offside and with advantage being played, a cross field kick was narrowly ruled out as the touch judge raised his flag. Back for the infringement and out half David Quirke slotted over an easy kick to lead 8-7 after fifteen minutes.

As Derry were probing and looking for gaps, a turn over cost them dearly. With 33 minutes played, Malahide countered down the wing and had just enough pace to get in behind and score, somewhat against the run of play and with the assistance of the final ball being forward. Derry now trailed 15-7 following the successful conversion.

As the game approached half time, a box kick failed to find touch and instead fell into the arms of winger Daine Poolman. He gratefully accepted the gift and from right on half way, returned the ball with interest, busting first up tackles and offloading to centre Rory Kavanagh to slide in. Conversion missed half time 20-7.

Derry again were outdone when Malahide worked the ball around the corner from the back of a scrum, sucking in defenders and to score against the run of play yet again. 25-7.

With 55 minutes played, Derry were throwing everything at Malahide. However, the game was being slowed and killed Derry’s momentum. Eventually, the ever alert Simon Logue used a quick tap to create pace and reward Derry 5 points. Alex McDonnell - who was just on and making his return after picking up an injury in the opening All Ireland game against Tullamore - missed the conversion score. 25-12.

With four minutes to play, Derry lost their lineout and with Malahide in possibly just their third time in Derry’s 22, came away with another seven points as scrum half Bobby Holland sniped around the ruck in under the posts. Derry finished the stronger and almost got a try but the final pass just wasn’t to be.

Final Score: CDRFC RFC 32 - 12 Malahide RFC