Holywood 0 Limavady 26
In the heavy under foot conditions of Kerr Park, Limavady produced another assured display to extend their lead at the top Qualifying League 3 to 12 points. Holywood like Limavady have promotion aspirations this season, but a poor start to the season has dashed there hopes of an immediate return to Qualifying 2, although a recent upturn in form has saw the County Down side work their way back up the table.
Limavady showed four changes from last weeks win over the PSNI and two of the recalled quartet were involved in the first score of the day. Hooker Johnny Blair gained possession by turning over the ball in the Limavady half, and full back for the day Tom McClelland finished off a fine team move when he touched down under the posts. Peter Wilson knocked over the conversion for a 7-0 lead after 4 minutes. Peter was relishing in his role of scrum half today and proved a more than capable replacement for the injured Jamie Miller, and it was quick thinking from Wilson that led to try number two in the 24th minute following his quickly taken penalty. John Purcell led the charge to the line but was brought down just short of the line, and from the recycled ball it was winger Matty Haslett who crashed over the line. This time it was Tom McClelland who scored the conversion. The home side then enjoyed a spell of possession in the Limavady half but found the visitors a tough nut to crack. The closest they came was on the stroke of half time when a penalty attempt just dropped short.
HT Holywood 0 Limavady 14
Limavady started the second half with a lot more purpose to their game and with the intent to build on their 14 point lead, and ultimately put the game out of reach for the hosts, and on 50 minutes they were duly awarded with a third try. Luke Faulkner and Robert Lamberton combined to set up Peter Wilson to finish off a fine score under the posts. The visitors then seized the opportunity to kill the game off and on 58 minutes Out half Luke Faulkner waltzed through the home defence to touch down and claim the all important bonus point. The home side tried to get something out of the game but the Limavady defence was on top form and managed to see the rest of the game out and record a very satisfying 26-0 victory. A clinical display built upon a super defensive showing.
Team. T. McClelland, M. Haslett, R. Lamberton, J. Miller, S. Roddy, L. Faulkner, P. Wilson. A. McIlmoyle, J. Blair, J. McCollum, J. Purcell, M. Rice, S. Mackey, P. Browne, D. Irvine.
A huge result on the road for the Roesiders which sees them open a 12 point lead over second place PSNI. The busy schedule continues next week with a home fixture against Ophir. The North Belfast side have been having a good season to date and will travel in good spirits after recording a super 20-12 victory over Newry last Saturday. Kick off at The John Hunter Memorial Grounds is at 2.30pm. All support welcome.
The seconds are back in action next week when they travel to play Enniskillen 2nds at 2.30pm.
