Limavady 1st xv entertained Ballyclare on Saturday and while they gave a good account of themselves the title favourites won out worthy winners by 38-18.
Slow out of the blocks Limavady soon found themselves 10-0 nil down after only 10 minutes with the visitors punishing the home team in not finding touch from a straight forward penalty and counter attacking to waltz in for an early score which was converted by their excellent full back who followed this up with a well kicked penalty.
Playing into the wind Limavady struggled to make use of any good ball and Ballyclare scored a further try after 15 minutes when there outhalf made the initial break before passing to his inside centre who touched down in the corner.
As the half wore on Limavady started to get more into the game and following good pressure and good handling between forwards and backs a penalty was awarded and McNickle goaled it to reduce the score 17-3.
Almost immediately from the kick off Limavady conceded a simple penalty which was converted to leave the sore 20-3.
There then followed the best 20 minutes of play by Limavady in the game either side of half time. Firstly after strong work by Campbell and McCollum going forward an overlap was created and a good take out pass by Jordan resulted in Robinson scoring in the corner. Half time 20-8 to the visitors.
Second half Limavady continued where they left off and were rewarded by an excellent try from Hunter who was the most impresssive back for Limavady all day. McNickle kicked a great conversion and he followed this up with a penalty from 40 metres to leave the score 20-18 to the visitors.
Unfortunately and right in the game the Lims were reduced to 14 men when they lost their outhalf to a back injury and this spelled the end of their chances with the visitors scoring a further 3 tries to run out 38-18 winners.
Best for Limavady up front were Campbell & McCollum in the front row, McCollum in the second row and Perry Semple in the back row. Behind the scrum Hunter and Hall were excellent while McLaughlin was solid at full back.
north west rugby
