Randalstown 2nd XV 43 Ards 3rd XV 5 For Images CLICK HERE
Randalstown 2nds eased to a comfortable win in the end over Ards 3s at Neillsbrook on Saturday afternoon, but for the first hour they were made to work very hard for the 2 points.
The home side were quickly into their stride and David Smith and Mark Strange both crossed the line in the first five minutes, but unfortunately both tries were not awarded. The opening score wasn’t far away however and after some slick handling from the ‘Town backline Andy White ghosted through to touch down.
Despite dominating possession ‘Town struggled to put further points on the board. A couple of penalty attempts went begging before Matty Turner took a quick penalty on the Ards 10 metre line and went in under the posts just before half time. Murray converted to leave the score at the interval 12-0 in favour of Randalstown.
The second half didn’t start at all well for ‘Town as within five minutes they lost a player to the sin bin and conceded a try. They settled themselves again and back to full strength stretched the lead. After some strong running by Hyndman Strange was on hand to finish off his captain’s hard work with a score. Murray again converted.
With an hour played ‘town were reduced for the duration to 14 men as Moan was shown a second yellow card and had to leave the fray. This seemed to galvanise the home side and they turned the screw on the visitors in the remaining 20 minutes.
Good groundwork from Turner and Hyndman let Conor Ferry, who was fresh on from the bench, power away leaving tacklers in his wake to cross the whitewash. Murray in fine form again with the boot added the extras. Within a few minutes ‘Town struck again. From second phase play in the opposition half David Smith hit the line at pace breaking through the visitors defence before putting Mawhinney away. The young centre had more than enough pace to outstrip the remaining defenders and touch down.
Randalstown were now totally dominant and when Turner took another quick tap he waltzed through the Ards defence before Hyndman took over. The captain showed great strength and determination to get to the line and stretch over to score. Murray again converted.
It was Hyndman who finished off the scoring minutes later to take his try tally to a healthy 4 for the season. Goodrich gathered lineout ball close to the Ards line and Hyndman was the man with his hands on the ball as the ‘town pack mauled their way over the line.
This was a satisfying performance from a still unbeaten ‘Town side who are really benefiting from having a reasonably settled team at this stage of the season, while the fitness and organisation from training together is very evident.
The front row of Adams, Hamilton, Hume and replacement Irwin, back in Randalstown colours for the first time in a while, all impressed in the set pieces and in the loose. Turner led his back line well and Andy Harris continues to be a potent attacking threat. Skipper Hyndman put in a huge effort around the field and fully deserved his two tries.
Randalstown 3rd XV 19 Ards 4th XV 25
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Meanwhile on the adjacent pitch Randalstown 3rds were turning in their best performance so far of the season, unluckily going down in the end to the very experienced Ards 4s. ‘Town had the lion’s share of territory and possession and were unlucky in the end to run out narrow losers.
Veteran Adie Johnston opened the Randalstown account in the opening minutes as the home side made their way quickly down the pitch from the off. Ards quickly recovered their composure however and were camped on the home 5 metre line until despite some good defence they found a hole to squeeze over for a converted try.
Again ‘town upped the ante and tested the Ards defence sternly before the visitors broke away and were rewarded with a very kickable penalty opportunity which they duly converted. Undeterred ‘Town continued to play their rugby in Ards territory, but for scant reward. Then a rare error by fullback McCrory gave the visitors a line out at close quarters and they were able to outmuscle the home defence and steal in against the run of play. Another penalty saw them move into a 20-5 lead with half time approaching.
Just before half time Ash McClenaghan narrowed the deficit with a well taken try which Service converted to narrow the gap.
Just after half time Randalstown lost winger Brownless, who had been having a great game, to injury. Some rejigging saw substitute Jack Gilbert come in at scrum half, while the versatile Service slotted into the wing berth. Ards took advantage of this bit of disruption and ran in for an unconverted try.
The home side weren’t done however and debutant Ben Kelly saw his efforts rewarded with a try in the closing stages again converted by Service.
This was a much more pleasing performance from the 3rd XV and manager Aaron Murray was justifyably upbeat afterwards. The younger players in the side are getting to grips with senior rugby, while the experience of Harris and Johnston and the added bulk of Steven McClenaghan returning from injury were key factors in this display.
Next week the 2nds entertain Carrick 3rds while the 3rds travel to Belfast High School seconds.
