Randalstown fielded 2 teams on Saturday in controlled training games.
The 1st XV travelled to Ballymoney to play a mixture of the home sides 1st and 2nd XVs. Despite being on the end of a 42-12 defeat, coach Michael Stevenson was happy that his players were put through a hard physical session against a side who will be challenging for the Qualifying 1 title. Ryan McGarry and Steven Millar ran in tries for Randalstown and there were some impressive and hard working performances throughout.
Next week Randalstown 1st XV will play Ballyclare in a friendly in further preparation for the start of the season and a squad will travel to Ophir for the 7s tournament.
Squad: R Fleck, S Millar, B McGarry, N Paul, R McGarry, C Coulter, R Wilson, J Kennedy, S Finlay, N Foster, D Millar, S Hyndman, E Harris, D Wilson, L Hurrell, G Hume, N McGlade, S Adams
Under the watchful eye of manager Ivan Richardson the 2nd XV had the honour of playing Ophir 2nds to mark the opening of their new changing facilities. ‘Town ran out 19 – 14 winners eventually after four 20 minute sessions.
The opening session saw Randalstown race into a 19 point lead playing some bright intelligent rugby. Scott Stevenson, Eddie Leslie and Gareth O’Neill scored the tries with Adam Boyd adding 2 conversions. Ophir had the better of the rest of the game, although it took to the end of the 3rd period before they managed to score.
This was a good workout for the randalstown side with O’Neill, Gamble, Corbett, Speirs and Keating all impressing.
Squad: G Leslie, C Gamble, G O’Neill, P Laverty, B Winter, A Boyd, G Walker A Spiers, S Stevenson, J Corbett, M Millar, M Asquith, J Doyle, R Ings, R Keating, M Savage, M Reeves, J Millar, J McAuley.
Meanwhile back at headquarters a family fun day was being heartily enjoyed. So well organised is the entertainment supremo Addie Patterson that the sun even shone and ensured a great turnout.
Ulster players Simon Danielli and Tom Court were present much to the delight of the young rugby fans (and some of the mummies). They are to be commended for their contribution to an extremely successful day at Neillsbrook.
Pam Lewis, Lady Mayoress of Antrim met with club President Derek Waddell and chairman Andy Collins, and took the opportunity to see at first hand how popular the club is with the youth of the Randalstown area and how hard the junior section at the club work to provide the opportunity for so many youngsters to come along and enjoy sport.
Randalstown Bouncy Castles kindly supplied Bouncy Castles for the duration and these were undoubtedly a huge hit. The club is very grateful for this support and generosity.
A big thank you to the Antrim Firemen who attended!
President Waddell was keen to acknowledge the hard work put in by many to make the afternoon the success it was and hoped it would be the first of many such occasions.
