Junior League Section 4 Carrickfergus 3xv v Limavady 2XV Woodlawn Grounds, Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus
1st December 2012
Limavady 2XV travelled to Carrickfergus on Saturday to take on their 3XV in a top of the league clash and came away with a well deserved 31-3 victory. In a game where Limavady had a clear advantage in a much superior back line it was surprising that their tactics allowed Carrickfergus to remain in the game for much of the match by their game plan of having forward drive after forward drive and then to release the backs. This against a forward pack that gave as good as they got all day and on many occasions the game plan fell apart because of the robustness of the home pack.
In a dull opening quarter the deadlock was broken by a Pearce McNickle penalty to give Limavady a 3-0 lead and in the second quarter following a good break by Ross Parkhill and carried on by Alan Kilburn the ball was quickly recycled by the pack and Greg Jordan showing great footwork raced in to score wide out which was converted by an excellent kick from McNickle to leave the visitors 10-0 up.
Limavady had a number of chances to increase their try tally in the last 10 minutes of the first half as a result of strong runs from Millar, Purcell and the impressive Campbell but on each occasion they took the wrong option of not passing to a team mate in a better position and the opportunity was lost.
On the stroke of half time McNickle kicked a further penalty to leave the score 13-0 at the break to the visitors.
While Limavady should have kicked on at the start of the second half it was Carrick who dominated the opening 15 minutes and had it not been for the sterling defence of the McCollum’s with some big hits and backed up by the back row Limavady would have been in trouble. During this period Carrick kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit which gave them fresh life and it was only through stubborn defence and Limavady clearing their lines through Ross Parkhill that kept the scoreline as it was. In a rare sortie into the Carrick half the home team were penalised and McNickle duly converted.
Having weathered this storm and Limavady realising that if they did move the ball away quickly from set plays to their backs they could do damage and this was manifested in an excellent try by Simon Logan following fine work from forwards and backs inter passing. This score gave Limavady the confidence they needed to start to play open rugby and following great work from Millar and Roddy Purcell crashed over to score wide out.
Limavady wrapped things up when Ross Parkhill robbed his opposite number at a scrum on the 22 and raced in for a well deserved score given his contribution to the winning effort and his hand in most things that were good by the team.
Greg Jordan had a very good game in not only his play but his all round organisation and along with Kilburn formed a great centre partnership and the strong running and determination of Roddy on the wing was impressive all day.
After this result Limavady are right back up there in the mix for promotion and next saturdays game at home to Ballymoney now becomes a serious fixture to win.
Minor League (North) Inishowen v Limavady 3XV Moss Road, Carndonagh, County Donegal, Ireland 1st December 2012
Inishowen produced an outstanding performance to take over top spot from Limavady In the Minor League (North). The visitors now haven’t won in their last 3 after a run of 8 consecutive wins.
Tir Chonaill are next up for Inishowen at Moss Road, whereas Limavady have a home tie against Ballymoney 5XV.
