In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd xv Cup the Limavady Grammar School team completed a “Double” against Dalriada when they defeated the Dalriada 2nd xv by 10-7 in a very closely contested and exciting game.
Both teams attacked from the off with the Limavady Grammar School team shading things in terms of defence. Matthew Rodden, Stephen Fallows, Jack Martin stood out with their defence but it was John McWhirter who saved a certain try when he bundled his opposite number into touch just inches from the Limavady line midway through the first half. Dalriada continued to attack but the Limavady Grammar School defence was well-organised and managed to maintain the integrity of their line to ensure a 0-0 score at the halftime break.
Following the break, both sides came out firing with big hits from both sets of defenders. The Grammar attack was awarded a penalty which was slotted in by Scott McClean to give the Limavady Grammar School team a 3-0 lead. These first points gave the Limavady Grammar School team a confidence to attack at every opportunity. After a quickly tapped penalty, Joel Stirling went over for the first try of the day which was converted by Scott McLean to take the score to10-0 in favour of the Limavady team. Dalriada reacted well to this setback and started to dominate both the scrums and linesout. They began to dominate both territory and possession and scored an excellent converted try to reduce the arrears to 10-7 midway through the second half. The visitors launched an all-out attacking strategy but the Limavady Grammar School defence, with Scott McLean outstanding, stood firm to ensure they progressed into the Quarter-Final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup.
