Firsts give league contenders a ‘run for their money’!
By Site Webmaster, 17th Nov 2013
Frustration continues as firsts denied points in this closely contended derby
The Belfast derby between league contenders CIYMS and lowly placed Cooke proved a much closer affair than predicted. It was the visitors who opened the scoring after 12 minutes when CI out-half McGuigan slotted over a penalty when Cooke were caught off-side. His opponent, Alan Gourley pushed a penalty wide shortly afterwards when CI committed the same offence.
The opening try of the game came midway through the half. Cooke out-half Alan Gourley strolled lazily towards the CI defence on the half way before accelerating through a gap. Number 8 Boyd was on hand to receive Gourley’s pass and made good work up the pitch before linking with winger Doherty who touched down in the corner. Gourley’s conversion from out wide split the uprights giving Cooke a 7 – 3 lead. CI responded quickly. A well disciplined maul by the east Belfast side pushed the Cooke pack backwards and when the ball was spread to the left wing, CI pivot Wilson provided the ’extra man’ to score in the corner. McGuigan’s conversion was off target.
Cooke fought back valiantly and reclaimed the lead from another Gourley penalty. A further penalty from the Cooke number 10 should have stretched the home side’s lead but supporters were content to finish the half 10-8 ahead.
Frustration was beginning to creep into the CI side and replacement forward Brown received a yellow card. Despite the numerical disadvantage and largely against the run of play, CI flanker Mark Scott barged his way over for an unconverted try from a ruck close to the Cooke line. Play then moved back into the CI half where Cooke tight-head Hunter made a twenty meter break for the line. With a certain try on the cards his supporting backs somehow failed to ground the ball. The resultant ruck was impeded illegally by CI fullback Brown who received a yellow card and Cooke retreating with nothing to show for their endeavours. Undeterred, Cooke continued to apply pressure and were rewarded by a further Gourley penalty with 15 minutes remaining.
McGuigan restored the CI lead with a penalty when a Cooke player failed to roll away from a tackle. In a cruel blow for the home side, a losing bonus point was squandered on 80 minutes. A powerful CI scrum set the platform for visiting centre Castles to crash over in the corner for a final unconverted try leaving the scoreline: Cooke 13 CIYMS 21
Yet again the firsts have proven capable to compete with the best in this incredibly competitive league. The Cooke front row of Bennett, Finlay and Hunter played superbly in both loose and set piece play against extremely physical opponents. Boyd and Johnston also battled tirelessly. Although some sparks of inspiration were observed the Cooke backs must have greater confidence in their ability. Try scoring opportunities which were not realised on Saturday don’t come about frequently in Qualifying One
