Kukri Qualifying League 2 Limavady 1XV v Ballyclare 1XV John Hunter Memorial Grounds, Limavady
Ballyclare continued their fine form, with a hard earned victory against Limavady. The game, played in a great spirit on a cold but snow free day in the northwest, started with two teams seeking out a way through each others seemingly impregnable defences. Limavady maybe the more unfortunate not to come away with some points in the first 20. The game was very high tempo, and both sides where great at the breakdowns neither giving away any penalties in the first half.
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It wasn’t until Clare flanker, N. Moore, went off to receive some treatment and the Roesiders took advantage of their slightly better possession. The forwards mauled their way inside the Clare 22 and then moved the ball superbly through the backs with Stuart Hull crossing the line in the corner to break the deadlock. Kiwi Greg Jordan came close with the conversion. HT 5-0
Ballyclare came out int he second half with a more positive outlook, and with 15 men dominated early on in the second half. Limavady stalwart Willie McCollum also left the pitch and then Demesne Place altogether, as he had to go to hospital with a suspected broken arm.
Down to 14 men the All Blacks couldn’t keep out the resurgent Ballyclare men much longer. On 48 minutes number 8, Rainey, went over and outhalf Lawther knocked over the difficult kick. A Jordan penalty on 50 minutes regained the lead for the home side, but it was short lived. Two quick try’s by scrum half Morrow on 56 minutes and wing forward Logan on 58 minutes, both converted gave the visitors a clear advantage.
The county Antrim men, with the wind in their sails, pushed for the fourth and they got it in the 64 minute again number 8 with a great run to go under the posts securing the bonus point Lawther converting. With a man down Limavady showed real grit and determination and pushed hard to get something from the game and their efforts where rewarded in the 73 minute when Alan Kilburn went over in the corner, Jordan again went close with his effort but was unable to add the two points. FT 13-27
