Report below from I XV v Limavady RFC I XV CLICK HERE for Action shots from I XV & HERE for U19 I XV
I XV v Limavady RFC I XV
A good run out in wet conditions
by Andy Borthwick
BRFC’s season got off to a damp start, losing 7-0 away to Limavady, with the younger squad members showing up well and strong defense throughout.
BRFC’s first team squad took to the field in Limavady looking for a good hard test of the bodies after a long off season.
In damp conditions, and so early in the campaign, both teams were much more comfortable defending than attacking. Both sides had large squads out, and the changes over all four quarters meant that structure was hard to find.
The match was played in a good hard fashion from both sides. Both defenses were strong, with Limavady’s blitz at outside centre particularly effective in containing Ballymoney’s back line.
There were some early breaks; in a tight first period a John Laughlin run nearly found enough support, and soon after the Limavady fly-half found a chip and chase from deep that led to a period of sustained pressure. But both sides had organised and vocal defensive lines that were tough to crack.
In the first half Limavady lost two of their big forwards with knee and head injuries, and the arrival of an ambulance on the field before half-time is never a good sight to see. Hopefully that will just prove precautionary, and we of course wish them a speedy recovery.
The second and third periods saw the coaches on both sides using all of their subs. Ballymoney’s youngsters started having an influence on the game, injecting some pace into the forward carries and getting their hits in well. Joel Hegarty, Callum Macdonald, and Luke McKinley all showed well through this period.
In the last quarter, as light was fading, Ballymoney came closest to scoring with a hack-and-chase from Laughlin, that was eventually closed out by the home side. Then a period of Limavady pressure resulted in a ball squirting out of a ruck in the middle of the field, and the happy recipient scampered 25 yards for the only score of the game. That was perhaps harsh on the effort so far, but without scoring points it’s of course hard to win.
All in all, Ballymoney’s coaches Jason Taggart and Neil Beddow were pleased with the run-out. “For the fourth training session, it’s a good way to get back into the habit of a match situation. The defensive performance in terms of contact skills and organisation was very pleasing, and the young lads stepping up from under-19 made a very good account for themselves.”
“Next week at training we prepare for the two games at home to Ballyclare. With smaller squads we can work on patterns and set plays at training, as well as continuing to build our core fitness.”
Both kick-offs will be at 14:30 on 17th August at Kilraughts Road. We encourage everyone to get along, watch a game, and stick around for a barbecue and a few drinks after the game.
