Ballyclare 4th XV 7 Randalstown 2nd XV 8
Another league win was notched up by Randalstown 2nds on Saturday afternoon at the Cloughan and while a win is a win it was a dreary performance. The ‘Town outfit stuggled in the scrum and malfunctioned at the lineout, areas where they are normally strong, and while both sides attempted to play some running rugby in the opening exchanges but the scoreboard wasn’t troubled until 20 minutes in when Liam Hurrell drove over. The conversion strayed just wide of the uprights. ‘Town confidence improved with the score and they started to show a little of what they are capable of, but frustratingly the final pass just didn’t go to hand on a number of occasions and the score remained 5-0.
Early in the second half Randalstown were reduced to 14 men after Ben Hamilton came off the wrong side of a clash of heads and suffered a nasty gash to his face. Uncontested scrums were a blessing to the ‘Town men who struggled all afternoon at the set piece against a big well organised Ballyclare unit. The home side couldn’t capitalise on the extra man however and some good work by prop Adams resulted in a kickable penalty opportunity. Peter McCann on his first outing of the season made no mistake and stretched the lead to 8-0.
Randalstown continued to make inroads into Ballyclare territory and put together some good runs. McCann, Smith and Millar in particular carried well but again the final execution was found lacking and this cost them ground a few times. Ballyclare eventually took advantage of a loose ball and ran over in the corner. The difficult conversion also sailed over and it was game on.
Thanks to some great cover tackling Randalstown managed to hold out until the end of the game but all in all it was an afternoon the 2nd XV will not want to dwell on.
Larne 3rd XV 17 v Randalstown 3rd XV 7
Randalstown 3rd XV travelled to Larne on Saturday hoping to get their first league points of the season. On a day which suited open rugby the game started at a hectic pace with both sides intent on running the ball. Breaks by the young centre Simon Moon and winger Service almost lead to an early score. Larne managed to withstand this early pressure and after fifteen minutes their centre cut through some poor Randalstown defence to score a well taken try under the posts which out half Campbell converted to give the home side a 7-0 lead.
However Randalstown continued to give a good account of themselves and only bad luck stopped out-half Johnston from scoring a try. Some great work from the forwards especially McCluskey and Hodge kept Larne under pressure, but against the run of play Larne scored a second try to lead by 14-0 after 30 minutes. This was followed by a penalty for off-side and at half time the score was 17-0 in favour of the home side.
Coach Devlin made a few tactical changes at half time and in the second half Randalstown held the upper hand for most of the game, however they could not turn the advantage into points with Connon,and Moon both held up short of the line. Eventually the home defence were unable to keep Fergal Connon from running in a great try from forty metres which Johnston converted.
Replacements Devlin ,Reeves and Asquith all came on in a effort to get a second try but despite Randalstown’s best efforts Larne held out to the final whistle to win 17-7. Coach Devlin was pleased with the teams efforts and with a bit of luck Randalstown could have emerged victorious. The Larne team contained a number of players with 1st xv experience but what Randalstown lacked in experience they made up for by their effort especially in the second half.
Man of the match was Fergal Connon not only for his try but also his efforts both in open play and in the forward battle. Others to mention include Adie Johnston whose experience was vital to the team, Shaun McCrory, great under pressur, and Simon Moon for his tackling. Coach Devlin is now planning for next Saturday’s home league game against Carrick with more confidence despite the loss.
Next Saturday the 1st XV commence their league campaign against Academy at Neillsbrook. The 3rds are also in action at home to Carrick 4s while the 2nds travel to Carricks 3s.
There will be a pre-match lunch in the clubhouse on Saturday. Anyone interested should contact Adie Johnston.
CLICK HERE for the pictures of the III XV v Ards RFC IV XV from 16th Sept
