Kukri Qualifying League 2, Carrickfergus 1XV v Limavady 1XV, Tom Simms Memorial Park, Carrickfergus, 26th January 2013
Limavady ended their midseason winless streak with a hard fought victory against a well drilled Carrick side. The Roesiders dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded in the 11th minute when Bob Robinson collected a fantastic cross field kick from outhalf Greg Jordan, and pirouetted around the Carrick full back. Jordan subsequently missed the conversion. Carrick openside flanker was then sin binned for a late tackle on winger Alan Kilburn, the visitors continued to dominate against the 14 men but couldn’t come away with any points.
A successful penalty from Jordan on 24 minutes added to Limavady’s advantage. Carrickfergus then started to play rugby their supporters knew they were capable of, outhalf Jonny Sharp missed his first penalty attempt on 27 minutes, but was vindicated less than ten minutes later, after outhalf, Jordan, gave away a penalty in front of the sticks, also getting sin binned for breaking the persistent “hands in the ruck” rule. Sharp added another 3 points before half time. HT 6-8
The all blacks began the second half as thunderously as the first, and after hard work from the forwards Limavady rucked their way within 5 metres of the try line, man of the match Jonny King, who was filling in at number 8 from his usual position on the wing, drove across the line for the second try of the game. Full back Stephen Kilburn missed the conversation.
Carrick pressed back at Limavady, but were unable to breach the defence. A drop goal from Jordan gave the visitors a 10 point lead with 20 minutes remaining. More pressure from the men in red led to the third sin bin of the afternoon, John Purcell letting his aggression get the better of him, and putting the roesiders under even more pressure with less than 15 minutes on the clock.
The men from the shore of Belfast lough pushed very hard but even with 14 men Limavady held strong and when Purcell rejoined the action, Limavady were able to clear their lines and see out the game for their first win of 2013.
Next week see the return of cup action and Limavady face an away trip Dromore in the second round.
