Match Report – Trevor Wilson
Photos – Steve ~Haslett
Limavady v Coleraine
Saturday, 2nd April 2022
Pics (c) Steve Haslett
On a bright and sunny afternoon Limavady entertained local rivals Coleraine in a top of the table clash.The game started off at a very fast pace with Limavady racing into a 19 points lead within ten minutes as a result of running in three tries. In the very first minute Limavady shipped the ball wide and created an opening for right wing, Joel Stirling to touch down. A few minutes later, following quick thinking by Limavady’s scrum half, David Craig, as he took a quick tap penalty and was able to put his captain ,Ben Riley in and the third score was just down to sheer strength by Jodi McMurray as he was able to break free from three Coleraine tacklers to score under the posts. Credit to Coleraine at this point as they showed great character to come back into the game. They managed three tries of their own, scored by Simon McLean, Jamie Crowe and Neil Graham. The final scoring of the half came from the boot of Limavady’s out-half, Peter Wilson as he slotted over a penalty to leave the half time score at 22 points to 17 in Limavady’s favour.
The second half was a much tighter game. Virtually all of the play took place in Coleraine’s half however strong defensive play by the visitors managed to hold the home side at bay. Peter Wilson did manage to get another penalty which pushed his side to two scores in the lead. On seventy minutes Limavady’s man of the match, Stuart Simpson settled the affair when he dived in to score Limavady’s bonus point try. With ten minutes remaining it was just a case of Limavady managing the game to the final whistle
Final Score: Limavady 30 Coleraine 17
This result leaves Limavady fifteen points clear at the top of the table. Visitors next week to the John Hunter Memorial Grounds will be Lurgan in the final game of this year’s campaign. Following on from this Ulster Branch have decided this year, because of Covid, to introduce a Play Off system. With top spot guaranteed for Limavady they will play the fourth placed team in the semi final which will take place on the 16th April. The winners of the two semi finals will play in the final game of the season on 23rd April.
Limady 2nds and 3rds were also in action this weekend with the 2nds winning 19.7 against CIYMS and the 3rds losing out to Coleraine by 24.5.
