Malone hosed Belfast rivals Queens University on Saturday in their AIL 2A clash. Both teams had met earlier this season in the Ulster League and Malone won on that occasion by 31-7.
Both sides were not at full strength with McKinney missing for Queens and Wilson and Joyce for Malone.
A large crowd were in attendance and the expectation of a good game made for an excellent atmosphere as both teams took to the field.
Both sides started the game well but Queens went ahead through an early penalty from Quinn, The visitors were using their backs effectively and a short time later Quinn scored a try which he failed to convert to leave the visitors ahead by 0-8.
Malone were trying to play an open game and the Queens defence were tested on a number of occasions early on. Malone reduced the deficit when Pentland knocked over a penalty 3-8
Queens failed to kick a second penalty with Quinn sending the ball wide. As the half came to a close Pentland kicked a second penalty to leave Queens ahed at the interval by 6-8.
Early into the second half Pentland struck again from a penalty to give Malone the lead for the first time in the game. Malone appeared reluctant to take the ball forward through the forwards but kept pressing by moving the ball wide, Queens were anticipating the home sides actions and were able to snuff out the attacks. Quinn missed another penalty opportunity, but when Malone were awarded a penalty, Pentland once again found the target to leave them 12-8 ahead.
Malone were then reduced to 14 men when Burgess was shown yellow. Queens now pressing hard scored an unconverted try through centre McIllwaine to go ahead by 12-13. Malone continued to attack and were rewarded when the visitors infringed and Malone got the penalty. The crowed roared to go for the penalty but the Malone captain made a do or die decision to kick for the corner, winning the subsequent line out and taking play forward the ball was moved to winger Taylor Acheson who crossed the line to score the winning try and give Malone the game by 17-15.
The home support went ballistic and the assembled crowd gave a roaring rendition of the Malone song, this set the scene for the start of the xmas party which ran on late into the evening with superb entertainment and much christmas cheer.
Both sides gave their all during the game, as the final minutes ran down Queens went ahead by 12-15, Malone were awarded a late penalty which if scored would have left the game drawn at 15-15, however Malone captain Glen Moore opted for the kick to the corner, the resultant line out saw Malone pressure the line and the ball was moved into the hands of Taylor Acheson who set down to send the home support ballistic, the conversion narrowly missed gave Malone the victory by 17-15.
Malone 5’s lose out in McCambley Cup
The 5’s hosted rivals Ballymena 5’s in the opening round of the McCambley Cup. The visitors prevailed and won by 7-24.
The 4;s McCambley Cup game prosponed
The 4’s were due to play Finn Valley in Round 1 of theis years McCambley Cup, the game was called of due to pitch conditions.
Details will be posted when the game will now take place once known.
