We arrived at Holywood. It was a touch and go decision whether the game would be played. All parties decided to proceed. This Forster Cup game was on!
Both these teams had clearly benefited from excellent coaching and all the years of experience that various players had. For example a Holywood prop played the entire game as he has done for 30 years!
In the freezing air it took both teams a few minutes to warm and then we were entertained by a CIYMS side who where the better team and a Holywood side that would just not lie down. Again and again they attacked the CIYMS lines, leaving body and soul in the last ruck and for periods of play where out standing to a man for their bravery and team work. Eventually a sustained period of Holywood attack with wave after wave of forwards attacking, picking and driving CIYMS back led to a superb try.
CIYMS at times scored with ease, they had a professional approach. Ruck, scrum, forward and backs, darted, weaved and danced around the opposition, making good use of broken play, with off load after off load leading to some very well worked tries. Their scintillating backs moves left Holywood wondering just what they would have to do to stop CIYMS from scoring.
Is Ravenhill on the cards for this CIYMS team, time will tell.
Click Here for 43 photos from the game, you can view them individually or as a slideshow
Click Here for 100 photos from the game on CIYMS facebook page thanks to Michael chambers
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The spirit of rugby has a long and proud tradition in both of these clubs. It was alive and well on Saturday.
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CIYMS won the game and progress but Holywood are a melting pot waiting on the verge of clicking together.
Well done to both teams on a superb game and we look forward to covering both sides moving forward.
