Newry 7 Limavady 18
It was a rare midweek outing for the 1st XV this week, and with Newry not having any floodlights the game was fixed for Rifle Park in Banbridge.
Paul O’Kane’s chargers took to the field showing a number of changes from Saturdays previous game against Civil Service. Missing through injury were John McCollum, Karl Miller and Sheagh McLaughlin. In came Mark Hunt, Bryan Hamilton and Matthew Haslett. Also coming back into the backline were the two Jamie Miller’s, with Jamie A. Miller playing at outside centre, while the other Jamie Miller took up his regular spot at scrum-half to partner the experienced Greg This meant a that Ryan McCool moved to blindside flanker after playing at centre in the previous game,
It was the visitors that struck first and when after an impressive start Greg Jordan kicked a penalty for an early lead, but the response from the County Down Men was instant, and aggressive. Limavady struggled early on, particularly at the set piece, with both their scrum and lineout coming under severe pressure. But they survived the scare and on 27 mins extended their lead. Second Row Michael Rice touched down after some good forward play following a lineout. Newry’s reponse was immediate, but all they had to show for their efforts were two missed penalties. Limavady increased their lead on half time when Jordan kicked his second penalty of the evening.
Half Time Newry 0 Limavady 11
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Newry playing mostly a kicking game, while the visitors were trying to run the ball at every opportunity, but more than once poor handling let them down, although they did begin to show some improvement at the set piece. The big score of the game arrived on the hour mark. Jamie A. Miller forced a turnover in midfield who broke into the Newry half, supported by Michael Rice he fed the big lock who when tackled delivered a sublime pop pass to Ryan McCool and there was no stopping the flanker as he raced in from the ’22’ to touchdown under the posts. With the conversion added by Jordan the Roesiders were looking good at 18-0 ahead, but to their credit the ‘home’ team threw everything at the Men in Black for the final 20 minutes.
On what was their first visit to the Limavady ’22’ on 66 minutes, they got their just rewards. Powerful play from the Newry forwards forced some indiscipline and referee Marshall awarded a penalty try. Not only were Newry closing in on a possible losing bonus point, but they had full intentions on going for the victory as well.
The remaining 14minutes were tense but with young captain Daniel Irvine and the experienced Bryan Hamilton leading the way, the young Roe Men closed the game out and recorded a brilliant and hard earned victory against a side that will have a big say in the destination of the Qualifying League 3 title.
Newry 7 Limavady 18
Next up for Limavady is a trip to league favourites, UUC on Saturday 19th September. Head Coach Paul O’Kane knows that a huge improvement is needed if they are to leave Coleraine with the victory points.
Team
J. Stirling, M. Haslett, J. A. Miller, R. Lamberton, S. Roddy, G. Jordan, J. Miller. R. Boyd, J. Blair, C. Scott, M.Rice, M. Hunt, R. McCool, D. Irvine (capt), B. Hamilton.
