NHL Div 2: Derry 2-19 Down 3-14

Down Convery seals it for Derry
17 March 2008

A scrambled goal from Ruairi Convery very late in the game helped seal an exciting 2-19 to 3-14 win for Derry over Down in their NHL Division 2B clash.

In what was a real roller-coaster of a game, Convery’s last minute major brought to a climax a wonderful finale to a dogged derby duel.

Incredibly, no one could have forecast such a close finish after 10 minutes of play after Down scored 2-7 without reply in taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

Derry played second fiddle for most of the first half but steadily improved and by half-time they Oak Leafers trailed by just 0-9 to 2-11.

Derry launched their drive for the finishing line in the 46th minute when Convery blasted home a penalty to leave just four points between the sides.

With Kevin Hinphey dominating the midfield exchanges and the Down defence being pulled everywhere, Derry eventually drew level in the 58th minute.

Derry eyed the chequered flag when Convery pointed a free for a two point lead one minute from the end of normal time.

However the gritty Down men hit back in sensational style when ’Magic’ Johnston netted in added time only for the Oak Leafers to snatch it at the death via Convery’s scrambled effort.