Devine inspires teenagers to victory

ON Saturday City of Derry U19's meet Malone U19's in an exciting league encounter at Judges Road. Both sides used the excellent conditions to provide a fast, energetic and hugely enjoyable spectacle.

Derry started well, controlling the majority of possession and territory. It was Malone, however who opened the scoring with a smartly taken try from their three quarters. A penalty a few minutes later saw the visitors 10-0 up. Derry scored a penalty to make it 10-3.

Malone however increased their lead when their sprightly outhalf sprinted clear to score under the posts making it 17-3.

Derry's hard work had been thwarted by handling errors. Just before half time Malone had a forward sin binned. Derry took full advantage. Firstly Adam Bratton raced through the Malone defence scoring a memorable try and from the resulting restart Chris McDonald crashed over following good work from the backs. The score at half time 17-15 to Malone.

Derry took the lead for the first time at the beginning of the second half with a penalty from Ryan Elliot. Malone were far from beaten and following a kick through, they capitalised on a lucky bounce to score a converted try.

The game finally took a decisive turn Derry's way when Dale Thomas beat two defenders to score a fine individual try close to the posts. With Malone pressing hard to respond, it was Adam Bratton who again showed his class, bursting through to give Derry the win.

Derry worked hard for this win.

Special mention goes to the man of the match Jamie Devine who was good in the loose, defended with vigour and elusive with ball in hand.