Belfast Harlequins 16 vs 11 Ballymena
‘Quins clinched another vital derby win on Friday night through a Rory Scholes try and three penalties and a conversion from the trusty boot of Michael Heaney.
By Conor Keown
After the heavy rain of the preceding two days, a heavy pitch meant this game was never going to be an exhibition of running rugby.
The home side were in control for much of the first half and could have gone further ahead with a second try, however, Tom Fraser fell short of the line.
‘Quins control diminished significantly in the second half when the ‘Mena front row reserve conveniently fell foul of injury resulting in uncontested scrums.
The dominance of the Deramore pack was evident from the start and slick handling by the half backs allowed the back line to punch holes in the visitors defence. After just 7 minutes ‘Mena conceded a penalty within Michael Heaney’s range, which he duly slotted over.
A few minutes later after further pressure, ‘Quins were awarded another penalty on their opponent’s 22 metre line. Heaney again made good his attempt.
‘Mena rallied and soon made headway into home territory and they were awarded two penalties in as many minutes. Scott Gibson missed the first, but thumped over a second long range attempt to get his side on the score board.
A further Gibson goal attempt fell just short of the home posts and after some careless fielding under their own posts ‘Quins got out of jail when Stuart Olding kicked a penalty to the halfway.
Quick ball from the resultant lineout was moved across the home backline and Mark Best powered his way through the defence before off loading to Rory Scholes who glided over in the corner to score a well deserved try after 24 minutes. Heaney added the extra points with an excellent conversion attempt from the touchline.
With just 4 minutes of the first half remaining another Heaney attempt bounced off an upright into ‘Mena hands initiating a counter which rushed into the home half. Gibson couldn’t add to his sides tally when he missed a penalty goal attempt from the 22 metre line.
HT ‘Quins 13-3 Ballymena
‘Quins started the second half well and within minutes Heaney was called upon again to successfully strike a penalty goal over in front of the ‘Mena posts.
An infringement by Paul Rea at the breakdown on the halfway line prompted referee Mr Wilkinson to reach for a yellow card. ‘Mena kicked for touch and from the lineout veteran locks Darrell O’Kane and Ian Caldwell lead their pack into the home 22. The ball was passed out and winger Darrell Montgomery managed to wrong foot the home defence to score a try on 49 minutes. Gibson was unable to add the extra points.
There appeared to be an element of obstruction by the ‘Mena pack, but this went unnoticed by the officials despite the groans of protest by the home spectators.
The remainder of the game became a lacklustre affair. ‘Quins forwards lost their momentum and ‘Mena were happy to commit to a wrestling match in the mauls.
There was one further score for the Baird men as Gibson landed a second penalty to bring his side into bonus point territory.
Heaney had one final penalty kick attempt with 9 minutes remaining, but he pushed it just wide.
Starman: Michael Heaney
Belfast Harlequins: Lutton, Annett, Fraser, Rourke, Ferguson, Rea, Marshall, O’Connell, Heaney, Olding, Holmes, Best, Hamilton, M. Scholes, R. Scholes.
Subs: Greenaway, McComb, Babe, Henderson, Hillyard.
Ballymena: Warnick, Andrew, Irving, Caldwell, Whann, Rea, Mulholland, Hamilton, Gibson, Irwin, Montgomery, Budina, Smyth, Stirling, Andrew.
Subs: Ferguson, Burns, O’Kane, Small, Vance.
Referee: David Wilkinson
Navan 10 vs 8 Belfast Harlequins
Close but no cigar. Quins fight until the very end but come up short.
On Sunday 11th November 2012 the Belfast Harlequins Women’s rugby team travelled down to Navan, Co. Meath to play their final league game of the season.
With regards to the last time the teams competed against each other Quins were determined not to have the past repeat itself.
Right from the start both sides came out hard hitting and anxious to put points past the opposition. Within the first five, ten minutes it was evident that both teams were equal within their abilities – having strong and determined packs, as well as skilled and fast-paced backs.
It was Navan who were able to put points on the score board first, having received a penalty in the first quarter and making the successful kick. Quins were able to keep their heads up and within minutes they too received an opportunity to kick for penalty points and team captain Nikki Caughey made sure to equalize.
Throughout the game both teams utilized their substitutions and saw that their rolling subs were used frequently in order to keep their team fit and fresh. At the half time whistle both teams were ready for the well deserved rest.
The second half started off similarly to the first, seeing hard hitting scrums, rucks and mauls brought forth by both teams. Although the two teams seemed to be level it was the Harlequins who dominated in the scrums and line outs. Spectators saw the Quins forward pack not only win their own line outs, but saw them steal and win the Naval line outs as well! Jolene McMorris Cloughey stole ball after ball in the air giving her team the advantage it needed within the game.
Much of the second half went back and forth between both teams, but once again it was Navan who were able to make a break and scored the first try of the game, followed by a successful conversion putting them points up with a score of 10-3.
Although there was some controversy to the try, the Quins came out determined and played phase after phase, doing everything they could to make their way closer to the Navan line. Substitution saw the return of Jenn Goodall as team hooker, which gave the Quins the boost of energy they needed. Through hardwork, determination and by keeping a level head, Harlequins saw the benefits and within minutes before the final whistle Lesley Megarity successfully scored a Harlequins try!
Nikki Caughey kicked for conversion but unfortunately do to the length and angle of the kick it was just wide of the posts.
Final score Quins 8 – 10 Navan.
Player(s) of the match go to two Harlequin Women: Lesley Megarity for the try scoring efforts and Frankie Durieux who impressed everyone with her work rate and physicality throughout the game.
Tries Scored: Megarity (78)
Penalties Made: Caughey (27)
Belfast Harlequins: Ilse Van Staden, Jennifer Boyd, Sorcha Chipperfield, Alanagh Chipperfield, Kara Swales, Rebecca Smyth, Frankie Durieux, Jolene McMorris-Cloughey, Alanagh Fowley, Nikki Caughey, Zoe Templeton, Lesley Megarity, Ashleigh Baxter, Claire Ried, Bronagh McClenaghan
Subs: Jenn Goodall, Brenda Artt, Ann-Marie Nolan, Kate Latimer
Congratulations to our President Kelly Wilson who was presented The Tom Rooney Award for his exceptional contribution to the game over the years. The former NIFC, Ulster and Ireland player was one of the driving forces when North and Collegians combined to form Belfast Harlequins.
