Match Report by Trevor Wilson
Ards v Limavady
Saturday, 6th November 2021
After a difficult game last week Limavady found themselves on their travels again, this time a little further afield, to Newtownards. The game was played in very blustery conditions however Limavady did not let this affect them, delivering up an exhibition of free flowing rugby.
The game was barely a few minutes old when Jim McCartney broke the home defence to race in to give his side an early lead. Shortly after this Matthew Haslett intercepted in his own 22 and raced virtually the length of the field. It was only due to foul means that he was stopped just short of the line. Alert thinking in taking a quick tap penalty led to captain Ben Riley getting in for try number two. It was now evident to the travelling support that this was going to be the trend for the day. Ards did manage to get their name on the score board as a result of an infringement by the visitors, however this proved to be their only success on the day. Ards could not cope with Limavady’s lively back line, and this led to a further three tries before half-time. Matthew Haslett, having probably his best game in a Limavady shirt this season, was on hand to finish off a fine back line move for try number three. Jamie Millar stretched the score line further when he used his strength to break three tackles to touch down and just before half-time Ben Millar raced in to score try number five
Half-Time: Ards 3 Limavady 33
As in the first half, Limavady started the second half brightly and were rewarded with another try from young Ben Millar. Another young player, Jack Craig was introduced as a substitute and within minutes showed his huge potential as he finished off smartly from his wing position. Matthew Haslett was to the fore again when he scored his second try of the afternoon. The hard working Adam Miller was on hand to score try number nine and the day was rounded off by Peter Wilson as he accepted an inside pass from Matthew Haslett. With the score-line starting to run away from Ards both sides agreed to the referee blowing for time fifteen minutes early.
Coach, Graeme Eastwood, was delighted with the effort of his players. It was great to see the performance of the young players, Brandon Maxwell, Ben Millar, Jack Craig and Jack Townley starting to find their feet at this level. Individual performances of note came from Matthew Haslett in the back line and Andrew Millar in the back row who was very much to the fore throughout the game. The highlight of the day was a 40 metre break by prop Clive Scott as he raced away only to be stopped inside Ards 22 before he could inflict more damage. Overall this was a strong display by the forwards and an excellent exhibition of fast flowing rugby by the back-line.
Final Score: Ards 3 Limavady 58
Limavady 3rd XV were also in action against Rainey Old Boy Fourths. Rainey squeezed over the line winning 15.14 with heartbreak for Limavady as they watched a late penalty which would have won the game for them coming back off the post. Limavady’s try scorers on the day were Aaron Reilly and Matthew King.
Photos by Steve Haslett
