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Pics (c) Steve Haslett
Following on from last week’s poor result against Ards, Limavady were on their travels again this week, this time to Lisburn. With the race for the Championship hotting up the players knew that nothing less than a bonus point win would be acceptable. Virtually the same players from last week were given the opportunity to redeem themselves which they certainly did scoring eight tries on their way to a fine victory by forty eight points to fourteen.
It took just fifteen minutes for Limavady to open their account when Matthew Haslett managed to squeeze in, in the corner. Just five minutes later Johnny Lees, who has been an excellent signing this season, put pressure on the home defence and was able to force his way over the try line to extend the lead. At this stage a lack of concentration allowed Lisburn back into the game when winger, Jamie Dickson scored in the corner. An excellent conversion from the touch line narrowed the score to just five points. This served to liven Limavady up again and following good direct running, firstly by Johnny Lees and then Peter Wilson, the ball was moved wide to the impressive Matthew Haslett to run in for his second score of the afternoon. But once again Limavady eased off and allowed their opponents to score again, a fine individual effort this time by out-half, Richard McGregor. With the conversion again successful the score in Limavady’s favour was 19.14 at half-time.
The second half turned out to be a more ruthless affair with Limavady playing some excellent rugby with the back line seeing much more of the ball. Gavin Martin came much to the fore instigating several free flowing moves. Within five minutes of the restart Limavady had scored twice, firstly Ben Riley touching down and then captain Jody McMurray, when he charged down an attempted clearance and dribbled in under the posts. On the hour mark Matthew Haslett rounded off an excellent day for him personally when he reacted quickly to complete his hatrick. Shortly after this Peter Wilson was also alert to take a quick tap penalty and run in unopposed. Jody McMurray completed the scoring when he got his second try of the afternoon.
A good all round display by all the players with, in particular, Johnny Lees standing out following another tireless display, Gavin Martin controlling matters from his pivotal position and of course Matthew Haslett’s hat trick performance.
