Derry coach, Bevan Lynch was predictably delighted having recorded yet another bonus point in what was their third consecutive League victory.

“I was pleased with the physical effort from the pack which paved the way for victory,” he said. “There was patience shown all round which we failed to do last week against Coleraine.

“It was great to have the Ulster Under-20 players, Andrew Semple and David Funston, back to add that extra quality which will be needed in the games to come especially against Armagh away on November 1st.”

Cooke were in the ascendancy early on and they took a three point lead from a penalty following a Derry infringement.

Derry responded with Greg Mitchell forcing his way over the line for a try which was converted by James Rosenberg to give the home team the lead.

Cooke reduced the arrears with a penalty conversion to leave the minimum between the teams after 15 minutes. Five minutes later Cooke suffered a blow when Michael Gough, a former City of Derry player, was sin binned.

In the closing stages of the first half Derry cruised into a comfortable lead with two tries in quick succession. Brian Brace scored out wide before Houston released David Funston who in turn sent winger, Stephen Brennan on his way over the line. Rosenberg converted both tries to leave the half-time score 21-6 in Derry’s favour.

In the second half Derry lost prop David Witherow with a recurrent back injury and his replacement, Aaron Ramage also had to retire ten minutes later with a calf injury. Sam McAuley came on at prop and with the Derry pack dominant, Mark Walker scored a try after good work from Bob McKillop, Jason Mitchell and Sam Duffy.

The Derry pack closed the game out completely when Houston, McAuley and McKillop allowed Philip Brady to crown his comeback with a try which was converted by Rosenberg 20 minutes into the second half.

Cooke scored a consolation try after 30 minutes and Derry finished the game on top with a converted penalty by Rosenberg to secure their third consecutive league win.