Saturday last saw Tir Chonaill rfc welcome the mighty city of derry 4ths in carrickfinn in the ulster minor league north division.
The weather is never to kind to any team down by the seaside and it was no different today with the rain lashing down.
It didnt deter the home side though as the donegal side enjoyed great possesion early on with some great passing and recycling of the ball,shortly after the ten minute mark the home side got the upper hand and from a loose ball paul gallagher picked up the ball inside the derry 10metre line and ran over for his first try this year,with the wind blowing straight across the pitch paul kicked a tricky conversion to leave the score 7-0 TC.
Tir chonaill made a few attempts at the derry defense but the away side held them up just short,lineouts were to be very tricky with the crosswinds which led to scrums being awarded to both sides on numerous occasions.just before the break derrys persistance paid off and were awarded with a try just to the right of the posts with some quick penalties . The conversion was kicked over against the wind to leave the score at the break 7-7.
The belief in the Tir Chonaill camp coming off at half time was evident on there faces,all of them knew the game was for the taking.
A quick break was called by the referee as the weather deteriorated and the home side went out with the belief they knew they always had and controlled the game from the off.
Decisions were difficult for the ref but the home side just werent getting the breaks they deserved but it didnt stop them with some great kicking for the line by caoimhin o cuireain and great driving runs from mark doherty the latter unlucky not to get a break away try and was held up on the 22.
Twenty mins into the second half and the game turned in the home sides favour with some great passing out wide to the just recently returned winger jason greene who cleverly beat two players to score a great try to continue his great debut season for tir chonaill which went uncoverted leaving the score 12-7 Tc.
Derry never really got going in the second half as Tir Chonaill drove at them in numbers continusously,and with ten mins left on the clock full back Robbie o donnell recieved the ball inside his own half and typical robbie put the head down and turned on the gas to beat five City of derry players and running under the posts which was converted to leave the score 19-7 to the home side.
With the rain still pelting down conditions got worse and mistakes led to an injury to the away side with seconds remaining the referee blew the final whistle to everyones relief ,Tir Chonaill deservedly taking the spoils on a scoreline of 19-7.
A big thanks goes to the travelling side for a good game of rugby and some great sportsmanship seen in a while.
After the game both sides went to watch the ireland game with some drinks and refreshments and a well known game across the rugby community known as the boat race.
As the season is drawing to a close Tir Chonaill have one away fixture against limavady 3rds and a home game which is being played for 4 points against ballymoney 5ths in the next two weeks .Everyone is welcome to come along and support the local side .Tir Chonaill would also like to thank all the sponsors for the season and especially to the three local hotel and pubs who generously help us out all year with drinks and refreshments all very much appreciated they are Careys Viking House Hotel in Kincasslagh,Duffys Pub Annagry and last but not least Bonners Bar mullaghduff.
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