4’s Edge a Tough Encounter at Deramore
Four penalties from the boot of Mark Scott, two in each half, proved to be just enough to defeat a very competitive and determined Civil Service side proving that there really are no easy games in this league. The Referee was delayed resulting in the kick off being held up by approximately ten minutes and this seemed to affect both sides who found it difficult to impose any sort of dominance on the game in the first twenty minutes. Playing with the wind, Quins kept any real threat of a Service attack at bay through Mark Scott clearing well with some great long range kicks and the backline putting in some great hits when their opponents tried to move the ball wide. Scotty, McC and Matt ran at their opposition well but found it difficult to make any quality breaks and unfortunately Kevin and Matt (subbed by James) didn’t really see much of the ball all day but got stuck in when needed. After kicking a straightforward penalty on 20 minutes, Scotty launched the ball back into the Service 22 and from the resulting line out the 4s pack drove towards the try line only to be repelled by some pretty stern defence. After 25 minutes Tim Elliott found himself clear on the right after a great No 8 pick-up by Johnny who moved it to stand-in scrum half for the day Paul Gardiner who then timed his pass beautifully.
Unfortunately, Tim was alone and the full back put in a great try saving tackle but this only seemed to spur on the 4s pack who fought well at the ruck and turned over some pretty good ball. With 30 minutes gone, Service were adjudged to have held onto the ball too long after a tackle in their own half and Scotty slotted over his second penalty of the day to leave the half time score 6-0 but it was pretty evident from the chat at half time that it was going to be a tough and fiercely contested second 40 minute period. As Quins turned round to face a stiff breeze the only questions being asked by the 4’s supporters were “would 6 points be enough” and “why, after consuming a roast beef dinner two glasses of relatively cheap red wine and a pint” was veteran front row player Martin Malseed actually playing? At the end of the game the answer to these questions was “yes” and “because he is a great clubman” but not before the second period produced some great action from the forwards accompanied by a determination by the backs to tackle like it was a cup final and run when given the chance. Unfortunately the slippery conditions made it difficult to put any real sequences of running rugby together and the 4s had to rely on two more indiscretions at the break down by Civil Service giving Scotty a chance to increase the lead to 12-0 with 10 minutes remaining. Quins were unable to take advantage of a sin-binning and it was Service who had the “last say” of the game. After controlling the majority of rucks all game, the last one of the day was turned over and with extra numbers out wide the Service full back ran in under the posts. The try was converted to leave the final score 12-7.
Overall it was a very hard-fought but fairly contested game played in the right spirit. The key to the victory lay in the attitude and the determination of all players but the forwards put in one of the best collective performances in a 4s shirt we have seen. The back row was all over the pitch, with Lewis taking some great line-out ball and along with Johnny and Fergal they cleared out rucks and tackled for the full 80 minutes. Harry, in only his second start at second row, put in another great performance beside Pete Brown who played his usual gritty game. The front row were solid in set pieces with Kieran and Marty working manfully but in the loose, Paddy Butler, spurred on by being watched by his aging father-in-law, took the man of the match plaudits as he ran consistently, hit ruck after ruck with a passion that flowed throughout the side and helped Lewis steal a few in the line-out. While he is to be commended on turning out, due to his consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to the game and criticism of the managements decision to sub him for his own good, the “Toilet Brush” award goes to Martin Malseed.Next Saturday we welcome Antrim to Deramore and with the crowd increasing each week spectators are reminded to get their tickets early.
