Banbridge 4th XV 0 Randalstown 2nd XV 43
Randalstown 2nds travelled to Rifle Park on Saturday afternoon for the first round of Forster Cup hoping to get off to a good start in the tournament against Banbridge 4ths. Captain Hyndman was nervous, but quietly confident before kickoff and he inspired his team to a confident and cohesive display .
The home team started brightly with a foray into ‘Town territory straight from the kick off but their time in possession was short lived as the ‘town men worked hard to turn the ball over. A penalty saw them gain crucial yards and from the ensuing lineout the ball was moved quickly across the backline. Murray made up the extra man on the left flank and coasted over to opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes. He was accurate with the conversion and the scoreboard was moving.
Randalstown were firmly in control and Murray was unlucky not to cross the line again shortly after. The pressure was however rewarded with a penalty which he duly converted to stretch the lead to 10-0 in favour of the visitors.
With half time approaching Strange was stopped just a yard or two from the try line and ‘Town conspired to concede a penalty. Banbridge were unable to use it to any good effect however and when the ball found its’ way to Chris Donnelly on the right flank he had the pace to outstrip the home defence and touch down.
From the restart ‘Town were quickly back up into the Banbridge 22 and Murray found space and time to race in below the posts for his 2nd score of the afternoon. Having had the presence of mind to continue under the posts he was able to add the straightforward conversion and put ‘Town into a 22-0 lead at half time.
Randalstown started the second half with some intent, but some poor decisions, penalty concessions and a missed opportunity or two saw them under a bit of pressure in the early stages. The defence was up to the task and, despite being a man down for 10 minutes, dug deep in the set piece and forced an error from one of the Banbridge backline. As the ball wobbled loose ‘Town pounced and Orr found Donnelly in acres of space. The winger ran the full length of the pitch unimpeded and touched down under the posts. Cathcart converted.
Within 5 minutes Donnelly was in again for his hat-trick. Forwards and backs combined well to keep possession and when the ball was moved wide Hamilton flicked it straight into the winger’s waiting hands. This was a relatively close range effort for Donnelly and he had no problem cutting through the home defence. Cathcart again added the extras.
Hamilton was unlucky not to feature on the scoreboard himself as he skipped down the wing and collected a pass from his fullback, but it was judged to be just forward. ‘Town quickly regrouped and didn’t allow Banbridge to gain any advantage from the scrum. Having once again disrupted the opposition Morgan gathered a pass and rumbled over with an easy hand off on the home defender. Cathcart added the conversion with the final kick of the game.
The 2nd are enjoying a very successful season to date and it is hoped this will continue in the next two home league games, against Ballymoney and then nearest rivals City of Derry before a break over the Christmas period. Captain Hyndman was delighted to be out of the blocks in the cup, as he aspires to feature in the closing stages, hopefully managing to keep this relatively settled team together and injury free.
Conor Murray continues to be very reliable and consistent at full back, and turned in another fine performance on Saturday afternoon. McGoldrick looked comfortable in the out half berth, a last minute switch for the injured Turner, and Donnelly looked sharp in only his second game after an injury layoff. Most pleasing for manager Sloane was the all round team performance, again showing to good effect the efforts on the training field.
Next Saturday the 1st XV travel to Grosvenor while the 2nds entertain Ballymoney 3rds at Neillsbrook.
