Rugby: Derry survive Barnhall fight back to win in Dublin

City of Derry got their All-Ireland Division 2B campaign off to a winning start with a 32-20 win over MU Barnhall in Dublin this afternoon.

The Judge’s Road men looked to be heading for a comfortable win when leading 27-0 three minutes into the break but survived a brave fightback by the home side to secure the win and an extra point.

Two Neil Brown tries (both of which were converted by Neil Burns), a David Graham try and a Burns penalty saw the visitors lead 22-0 at half time.

An unconverted Brown try, his third of the game, three minutes after the restart extended the lead to 27 points.

However, Barnhall fought back and were just seven points behind going into the last five minutes.

The win was wrapped up for Derry when, following an intereption and a 100 metre run, touched down in the last minute to secure 32 to 20 win.