It was a busy afternoon for Randalstown’s senior section with all 3 teams in action. Unfortunately only the 1st XV returned a victory, as both the 2nds and 3rds got a taste of life in higher divisions.
The 3rds were outplayed in the end by what could only be diplomatically described as an ‘experienced’ CIYMS side, while the 2nds, after an undefeated league campaign last season, experienced a taste of life at the next level, which on the day whilst a learning curve, showed them what a major step up it is.
Randalstown 3rd XV 5 CIYMS 3rd XV 57
The 3rds were first in action at Neillsbrook against the aforesaid CIYMS and while the defeat was by a large margin they played well for long periods of the game and were unlucky not to turn around facing only a 5-0 deficit. Their opponents had a backline able to cut loose from broken play all over the park but it was almost 30 minutes before they started to trouble the scoreboard significantly.
To their credit the 3rds at 43-0 down made inroads into CI territory and with a strong scrum made it over the line but were held up. The resulting 5m scrum saw them put on another tremendous push and McConnon gathered at the base made a few yards and shipped to Thompson who had the sense to go low and barge over the line.
The 3rd XV will always have to absorb the impact of unavailability up the club, but there were many positives for manager Murray and captain McClenaghan to take forward.
The defence had to work hard and on many occasions it wasn’t found wanting, Allen and veteran Johnston particularly catching the eye. A few boots had been pulled on for the first time in a while but should this be not for the last time, and players remain injury free match fitness will surely follow and hopefully positive results.
Randalstown 1st XV 15 Coleraine 1st XV 10
Coleraine must be feeling that Randalstown are their bogey team. Off the back of a bonus point win against Enniskillen the previous week they arrived at Neillsbrook in confident form.
As had happened the previous week ‘Town conceded and early penalty to go 3-0 down but the pack, performing much better, won a penalty back and Connolly converted to level the scores.
The bench were introduced early but Kelso was barely on the park before he suffered a knee injury and Hurrell re-entered the fray. Hopefully the injury is not too serious and the big forward will be back in action sooner rather than later.
A lot of the game was being played out between the 22s as both defences fought hard to thwart attacks and retain possession.
Deadlock was broken with another penalty in favour of the home team, and Connolly was once again on target.
As half time approached ‘Town converted 2 long range opportunities with very assured kicks by Connolly into a fairly bracing wind, and they turned around 12-3 to the good.
The second half started with an early exchange of penalties. Connolly went just wide then Coleraine opted for the corner. The wind was making it difficult for the hookers and Randalstown were able to defend the attacking lineout but the visitors kept them contained in their own 22, and from a scrum well inside the area they edged ever closer to the line. Some heroic defence denied them a score as it was held up. Coleraine were unable to take further advantage from the ensuing 5m scrum and ‘Town made their way deep back up in to the visitor’s territory.
Some over exuberant defending from Connolly saw him take a 10 minute rest and with a fair bit of time remaining it was a nervous time for the ‘town faithful reduced as they were to 14 men.
The visitors did take advantage of being a man up, and when Chris Donnelly went down injured they played on exploiting the gap in the home defence to score a converted try.
Connolly returned to the fray in time to slot over another penalty and leave the visitors requiring a score to at least draw level. The remaining 3 minutes lasted forever for the ‘Town support as again they had a man in the bin for a late tackle and the visitors pressed the line. The home defence at this stage was outstanding at very close quarters. Yet another penalty enabled them to clear the line and end the agony.
Even though it is very early in the season the 1sts have ground out two wins, and as a result sit at the top of Qualifying 2, 2 points clear of other opposition who have also played 2 games. There is still a lot of rugby to be played obviously but the Neillsbrook men can take a lot from the performances to date. Well played one and all.
Cooke 2nd XV 25 Randalstown 2nd XV 15
Despite a spirited performance from this still young Randalstown side they fell to a defeat against an experienced Cooke 2nd XV at Shaws Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
For the first 20 minutes of the game there was little to choose between the sides, but then a kick on halfway was charged down by the home team and with the bounce of the ball they scuttled away to touch down close to the posts for a converted try.
Before half time a great break by scrum half Mason, carried on by Paine & McLean saw ‘Town come close. A score was prevented in the end but a penalty rewarded and Murray opened his account for the season knocking it over for the visitors first points.
Cooke hit straight back and within minutes had stretched the visiting defence. After a couple of phases recycling ball they went over for a second try to stretch their lead to 12.-3 at half time.
Within 5 minutes of the restart Cooke increased their lead when they turned over ball on the halfway line and created space for the backs to run in for another converted score. ‘Town however weren’t prepared to be overrun, and were inspired by young scrum half Mason, who despite taking a heavy blow to the head at the end of the first half, continued to be a thorn in the side of the opposition with his sniping runs. Outhalf McGoldrick was also increasing in confidence and used the slight breeze to his advantage kicking Randalstown into favourable positions. Mason was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with a great individual effort from a quick penalty but was stopped inches short of the line.
‘Town continued to put pressure on Cooke at this stage and from a midfield scrum on the Cooke 22 McLean broke off and linked with Mason and Michael Smith, whose pass put Connor Murray away to touch down.
Unfortunately ‘Town failed to build further on this and the home side took the game away from them with 10 minutes remaining when their centre stepped through the defence to touch down.
To their credit the young ‘Town side kept plugging away and on the final whistle they got their reward with a great team try. Initiated by Thom inside his own half a number of players were involved and McLean made a significant break before Smith put the final pass away to Hyndman and the captain crashed over, just avoiding being held up over the line. Murray was on target with the conversion.
The spirit and talent in the seconds will serve them well in weeks to come when they will hopefully adjust and progress at this level. Coby Mason at scrum half, fresh from the under 18s, was a constant threat with ball in hand, and strong in defence. His partnership with McGoldrick worked well and shows much promise. Daryl McGarry returning from injury impressed in the centre berth when he came on after half time. The forwards found themselves in a real tussle against a heavy mobile pack and the back row of McLean, Paine & Ian Hume had to put in a hard shift. Substitute hooker Conceicao also impressed when he took to the park.
Next Saturday the 1sts travel to Enniskillen, the 2nds entertain Portadown at home and the 3rds are on the road to Dromore, so another busy week looms.
