It was a successful day at the PowerNI-Randalstown tournament for the home side as they got their hands on the cup for the first time, at the 39th time of asking, albeit that they had to share the spoils with Grosvenor.
THIS FIRST CLIP IS THE FINAL BETWEEN RANDALSTOWN & GROSVENOR
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Randalstown kicked proceedings off in group A and after a slow start against Ballymena they clawed their way back to win 12- 5 with tries from Gary Hume and Daryl McGarry.The home side followed this up with a comfortable 21 – 0 win against Ophir, the scores this time coming from Dan McGlade Kenny Pollen and John O’Kane.
SOME NEW PICTURES – CLICK HERE & existing 350 pictures link below
Town’s 3rd game saw them well into their stride as they ran in 5 tries to beat Cookstown 29 – 0. Daryl McGarry, last year’s U19 captain secured a hat-trick , with the other touch downs coming from McGlade and impressive winger Paul Morriss. The 3 wins ensured Randalstown topped Group A with Ophir runners up.
CLICK HERE for 350 Pictures ~ Enjoy!
Groupl B was a tight affair with Grosvenor, Larne and Lisburn all in contention going into the last games. It was Larne who eventually lost out falling to Grosvenor in the final game.
THIS CLIP IS OF Ophir, Lisburn, Civil Service, Grosvenor, Cookstown, Ballymena
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Randalstown took on Lisburn in the first semi-final and it was a nip and tuck affair, neither side able to stamp their authority on the game. Only a McGlade penalty kept the home side marginally ahead at half time. This was cancelled out by a Lisburn penalty midway through the 2nd half but the young ‘Town side showed great spirit by hitting straight back with another McGlade penalty. This was the first real test for the ‘Town forwards who had been impressive in the group games and they more than matched their more experience opponents providing the eager back line with plenty of ball..
Grosvenor eased through against Ophir, 17 – 0 in the 2nd semi to join hosts Randalstown in the final.
The final started badly for Randalstown as they condeded an early try. Grosvenor broke from a scrum on halfway and with the home defence for once caught napping, they had an easy run in down the touchline to score. ‘Town’s problems were compounded with the loss of Blane McGarry with a nasty head injury. Gradually however they worked their way back and started to get on top in the 2nd half, in worsening weather conditions and their efforts were rewarded with a a fine score 5 minutes from the end. After exerting pressure on the Grosvenor line McGlade threw a long pass to Daryl McGarry and the young centre split 2 defenders to glide over for his 5th try of the day. McGlade’s conversion tied the game at 7 all which is how it ended and both sides agreed to share the honours.
THIS CLIP IS OF Grosvenor, Larne, Lisburn, Holywood, Randalstown & Lisburn
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On a memorable day for Randalstown Daryl McGarry was the star of the show, but there were also big performances from skipper Neil Foster, new recruit Gareth Henry and out half John O’Kane. Coach Mike Stevenson was delighted with the efforts of the whole squad and a number of players certainly put their hands up for selection for the 1st league game of the season against PSNI.
Randalstown would like to extend a special thank you to Power NI for their generous soponsorship of the event on Saturday. It was of course only such a success thanks to the teams who make the effort to turn up and entertain the crowd. The Neillsbrook pitches were in pristine condition thanks to the ground staff, and thanks also to the bar staff and BBQ team for their efforts in keeping hunger and thirst at bay.
Randalstown will play Coleraine in a friendly at Neillsbrok next Saturday in further preparation for the season ahead.
