Banbridge 2nd XV 24 Randalstown 1st XV 19
Randalstown 1sts travelled to Banbridge on Saturday to play the second of their four Conference league fixtures against AIL 2nd XVs. The game started with Randalstown on the attack and Banbridge holding out in defence, however it was the home side that opened the scoring with a well struck penalty. This setback seemed to spur the visitors into action and a number of good passing movements allowed Jamie Orr to crash over for a try in the corner. The remainder of the first half was a story of missed opportunities for both sides to take control of the game. Two Randalstown penalties from Daniel McGlade gave them an 11-3 lead with half an hour gone but Banbridge closed the gap with a converted try to make the half time score 10-11 in favour of the visitors.
The second half saw Banbridge take their chances and from a clear knock on they scored a converted try to take the lead. As the game continued the home side took control of a loose ball and their winger scored a second try under the posts which was converted.
In the last few minutes of the game Randalstown began to put together a number of attacking movements and it was from one of these that Phil McClean sprinted over in the corner.
The 1st XV now have a few weeks off before their next Qualifying league match against Grosvenor.
Rainey Old Boys 3rd XV 23 Randalstown 2nd XV 8
Randalstown 2nds made the short journey to Rainey on Saturday afternoon with high hopes of breaking their duck this season to date. Unfortunately it was another difficult afternoon for the young 2nds as they were outpowered in the pack and despite having several scoring opportunities just could not get the final pass to go to hand and break the home defence.
In the early stages the home pack were rumbling down the park at will, to such an extent that they spurned an early kickable penalty opportunity in favour of a lineout. ‘Town at that stage showed their prowess in defence and kept them out so they wisely opted in favour of the points minutes later to go 3-0 up.
Randalstown steadied the ship a bit at this stage and worked their way patiently up the pitch to halfway. Some good running and passing saw White put Murray away on the flank and the fullback turned winger came within inches of the line. He won the penalty but ‘Town couldn’t capitilize from the resulting lineout and all of a sudden play was back to halfway.
It was nip and tuck for another 20 minutes until Turner slotted over a timely drop goal to level the scores. The travelling support felt that this might have been the ‘turning’ point but the visitors immediately conceded ground and gave away another penalty in front of the posts.
As half time approached a bulky Rainey forward ran almost the length of the pitch, stopped a metre short by Mawhinney, but the attempted clearance was charged down and touched down to give the home side an 11-3 advantage at half time.
From the restart ‘town squandered an early penalty opportunity before David Goodrich made good ground up the middle and shipped to Murray, who again came agonisingly close but was held up short. The ball was moved well across the ‘town backline but the final pass to McGarry was just too high and they were yet again denied.
There followed another series of fumbles, knock ons and missed tackles until Rainey ground ‘Town down and scored a converted try midway through the half.
‘Town camped in the home 22 for a goodly length of time and could have been over the line a couple of times before McGarry took a pass out wide and touched down for what was to be a consolation score.
The final points of the game were recorded by the home side with another well taken try to see them run out 23-8 winners.
Randalstown 2nds had become accustomed to winning ways last season and, on Saturday’s viewing, are finding it difficult to cope with being on the wrong side of the scoreline. The fixtures have been a bit unfortunate, in that it has been difficult to establish any momentum, coupled with some lack of continuity in personnel, and they now have another break until 31st October. Manager Sloane, while disappointed with the final result, remains upbeat about the undoubted talent in this team. In the backline Mawhinney and Murray looked dangerous with ball in hand throughout the game, and Scott Goodrich was the pick of the pack.
Next Saturday the 3rds are in action at Neillsbrook against Ophir. The world cup quarter finals will be on the big screen and refreshments will be available. Please come and join us for what should be an enjoyable afternoon of rugby.
