Kukri Qualifying League 3
Limavady 67 Monaghan 3
After two weeks of inactivity the North West Independent Clinic sponsored Limavady 1st XV got back into action against Monaghan 1st XV. Despite putting in some fine performances this season, the Men from the Farney County have struggled to pick up the wins that their play warrants, especially on the the road. Last October Limavady travelled to Rafeenan and came away with an impressive 55-8 victory despite a mighty effort from the home sides front eight.
On the team front Limavady were able to welcome back John McCollum and Matty Haslett from their recent travels as well as skipper Daniel Irvine to No. 8, after he got the all clear following a recent ankle injury. In the backs out half Luke Faulkner failed a late fitness test, so Stewart Roddy come into the side on the left wing, with Jamie Mo Miller taking the No. 10 shirt.
The visitors kicked off on a pitch that was in fantastic condition considering the recent poor weather, and credit to the club’s ground staff must be given to allow three games of rugby to be played at the grounds on Saturday.
The home support didn’t have long to wait for the games first score, when after just 8mins of action, Matty Haslett got in behind the Monaghan defence to score in the corner. The same player was involved in try number two ten minutes later. Some delightful interplay between himself and Peter Wilson saw the latter score the first of his three tries. Jack McCool added the conversion for a 12-0 lead after 19mins. On 26minutes the Full Back touched down for the second time. John Purcell made a break following a turnover by Peter Browne. The big second row timed his offload to perfection to Wilson, and McCool again fired the conversion between the sticks. Monaghan replied with a penalty of their own through their Out Half following some sloppy play from the restart, but that was as good as it got for the visitors, because in the final ten minutes of the half John Purcell and Jamie Mo Miller crossed the line to leave the half time score looking like Limavady 31 Monaghan 3.
With the bonus point already in the bag, the league leaders started to throw the ball about the backline much more confidently and with Jamie Mo Miller growing into his new role at out half, the Roe Men added a further four tries in the first 15mins of the second half. Peter Wilson completed his hat trick (and kicked a conversion) while Matty Haslett claimed his second of the day, and their were also scores for Robert Lamberton and Sam Mackey.
Stewart Roddy capped a fine individual display by powering through on 64 minutes, and John Purcell broke through the Monaghan rearguard on 75minutes and raced clear to finish under the posts for try number 11. The big second row reaped havoc all day breaking the game line on numerous occasions. Jack McCool kicked two conversions to put 67 points on the scoreboard.
As the Monaghan defence began to tire Limavady could have added to this total, but some sloppy handling and over elaborate play denied them the chance to post a bigger score. 11 handling errors will surely cause the management some concern.
Full Time Limavady 67 Monaghan 3
Team. P. Wilson, M. Haslett, R. Lamberton, J. McCool, S. Roddy, J. M. MIller J. Miller. C. Scott, A. McIlmoyle, J. McCollum, J.Purcell, M. Rice, S. Mackey, P. Browne, D. Irvine.
The seconds were also in action last Saturday at The John Hunter Memorial Grounds. They entertained Portadown 3rds, and after recording a super 39-7 victory, they now set 2nd in Junior League 4 replacing the Chambers Park outfit in that position.
Earlier in the day, the under 14’s came from behind to beat Ballyshannon 45-29 in a pulsating game of running rugby. Credit to both teams on serving a cracking game on a bitter winter morning.
Next sees the 1st XV travel to Newfordge for a huge league encounter with second placed P.S.N.I. Kick off in this one is at 2.30pm.
The 2nds have an equally important game as they will welcome unbeaten league leaders Belfast Harlequins 3rds to the John Hunter Memorial Grounds.
