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Pics (C) Steve Haslett
Match Report
Academy v Limavady
Saturday, 2nd March 2019
This Saturday saw Limavady travel to Mallusk to take on Academy for probably the biggest game of the season so far. With the season now reaching the business end Academy occupied first place over Limavady and Clogher Valley by two points with Limavady having a game in hand over both of these sides. The weather conditions favoured Academy who like to play a tight game, based on their very strong front five, whereas Limavady prefer a free flowing game.
First blood was drawn by Academy when they converted a penalty in front of Limavady’s posts. Limavady knuckled down and managed to draw level with a penalty by Peter Wilson. Peter repeated the punishment a few minutes later to get Limavady noses in front, an advantage that they would maintain right until the final whistle. On the half hour Jody McMurray managed to break through the home side’s rear guard for the first half’s only try. Peter Wilson converted to give his side a half time lead of 13.3
With the sides turning round for the second half and the elements now in favour of the home side Limavady knew that they were going to be under the cosh with Academy’s dominant pack taking control. They did however increase their lead to 16.3 when Jody McMurray landed a long range penalty into a stiff wind. Academy responded with a try following sustained pressure on the Limavady line. The game was a very tense affair with both sides having to be at their best to keep their opponent at bay. With time running out Academy managed to get their second try, a very similar effort to the first with the strong forwards picking and driving for the line. With the conversions missed on both of these tries the game now became a three point contest. With only five minutes to go Academy pressed for the winner and Limavady defended stoutly. Half backs Peter Wilson and Gavin Martin were able to put in good relieving clearance kicks. Much to the pleasure of the travelling support Academy were not able to get the points they needed to leave Limavady very happy victors.
Academy Number 8 breaks away from the back of the scrum
Limavady Outhalf Gavin Martin tackles the big Academy Number 8
Winger Mark Woods breaks through Academy’s defence
Big Prop Forward Clive Scott attacking the Academy defence line
Limavady Captain Jody McMurray breaks the line and races in for a try
Peter Wilson who kicked 8 points against Academy on Saturday afternoon
A high tackle on Limavady’s Stuart Simpson gave Jody McMurray a chance to add 3 points from. A. Long range penalty
Hard work from Academy’s pack resulted in a try
Rory Squires uses his strength to control matters against Academy on Saturday
Jody McMurray offloads in the tackle to his Fullback Matthew Haslett
Matthew Haslett draws the defenders before offloading to Winger Stewart Roddy
Stewart Roddy stays strong in the tackles
Clive Scott eyes up Academy’s number 7 for a collision
Clive Scott attempts to break Academy’s line
Limavady Head Coach Graeme Eastwood watches his side secure an important victory over promotion rivals Academy in Saturday’s trop of the table clash at Roughfort
Academy’s Scrumhalf is put under pressure by Limavady’s defensive forward line
Academy Prop Chris Nash gets to grip with Limavady Hooker Bryn Davies
Academy’s Scrumhalf puts in a flying tackle on Limavady’s Gavin Martin
