Match Preview

Malone and City of Derry have been closely matched over the last two seasons in the Ulster Senior League with each team having won once. The season before last Malone had the upper hand when they won by 27pts to 19pts. Mark Robinson and Adam Bratton scored a try each in the first half and with Mark Robinson converting Derry were leading by 14pts to 10pts early in the second half. Three quick try’s from Malone sealed victory with a Peter Henderson try a late consolation for the home team. Henderson had played for Malone the season before after being placed in the Royal Victoria Hospital in his first year out of University.

Derry defeated Malone narrowly last Christmas by 15pts to 13pts with try’s from Man of the Match on the day Stephen Corr and David Ferguson with Andrew Semple kicking a penalty and a conversion. There was a unique occurrence in that fixture when three brothers played for both teams and all six of them came from Derry. The Burns family were represented by John, Tom and Neil who played wing forward, second row and full back respectfully for Malone. The Duffy Clan were represented by twins Sam and Stephen both covering Tight Head and Loose head prop while Philip came from the bench in the second half to play in the backs. Neil and John Burns transferred back home to Derry at the end of last season and are playing great rugby this season while Tom Burns is playing his rugby in England.

Malone are currently playing their rugby in AIL Division 2A and are sitting proudly on top of the table three points ahead of nearest rivals Banbridge. Derry are top of AIL Division 2B also three points in front of their nearest rivals Highfield.