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Civil Service (NI) RFC 1st XV 32 L’Derry YMCA 8
A tough match against a L’Derry YMCA team just ahead in the table was made even more interesting when it was announced that it was to be a double header due to fixture cancellations during the winter. As such a determined Service team stepped onto the pitch knowing their efforts in the previous win over Rainey would mean nothing if they lost this game.
However it was YM who started the game stronger, a superb high kick off causing difficulties in the Service ranks and allowed YM to retrieve the ball. It was followed by a sustained assault in the Service 22 as the powerful YM runners threw themselves at the defensive line which held strong as the pressure mounted. Simon Curry and Ben Scott in particular did well to force them back and as they got more desperate to gain some points from their attacking superiority, Chris Woods, returning in Centre, was able to superbly hack the ball away and with Shaun Collyer on the wing chasing at full pelt the ball dribbled into touch a little short of the YM 22 line. A skewed throw-in gave Service a scrum and then when the lack of binding was punished by the referee Peter Hoskins at Fly Half was able to flight over the resulting penalty to give Service a 3-0 lead, despite hardly having touched the ball.
This seemed to be just the boost that Service needed and the forwards and backs started working together and attacking with relish. A mini break from Brian Bogle at Centre was recycled expertly by the pack and gave Club Captain Dan Cartland the small gap he needed to slalom past a couple of defenders and race to score under the posts. A simple conversion was added and better was still to come as further Service pressure led to scrum about 10 yards from the line. Great scrummaging by Peter Tweed at prop allowed the ball to come out to Greg Brown at 8, who picked and popped allowing Dan a much simpler second try, unfortunately not converted. A penalty was well put over after a high tackle to give Service a fantastic 18 – 0 lead. However YM were refusing to give up and a late penalty converted to give them 3 points was probably deserved to leave the score at 18 – 3 at half time.
After the break more Service pressure ensued right from the kickoff with a textbook hit from Andy Woods at prop taking the YM player receiving the kickoff straight back into touch for a Service lineout. With Doug Fraser throwing in to the very capable 2nd row jumpers of Michael Murray and Davey Harris the lineouts had been strong all day and, along with the scrum, had given the backs excellent ball to work with and Richard Griffin on the wing, in particular, was unfortunate not to score when the ball was bouncing around the YM tryline. However Dan Cartland won the hat-trick cake with an opportunist dart to score after disruption at a YM scrum and Chris Woods marked an excellent return to the club with a try himself, running on to a quick tap penalty. YM managed a try from short range with some hard running at the Service line but overall the defence was emmense with Moore Holmes outstanding and putting in one particular textbook tackle which was well caught on camera for the records. The only disappointment for Service was an injury to Greg who had tried to play on with an arm injury but was forced to leave the pitch with around 10 minutes left on the clock..
The match ended 32- 8 to Service, all well deserved result against a very physical ‘Derry team with the real spirit of rugby showing through when both teams joined together for a group photo. Unfortunately later on a YM player required medical assitance after collapsing and all on both sides were pleased to hear of his speedy recovery.
Man of the Match- Dan Cartland- Captain and hat trick try scorer. Amidst an excellent team display he stood out with three well taken tries. It would be unfair to mention any other names when everyone contributed so fully.
