Randalstown made the journey to Monaghan on Saturday knowing it was a must win situation to ensure they remained on track to finish top of Qualifying 3. The nerves told especially in the first half and they turned round 12 – 6 down to a determined Monaghan side who effectively thwarted all their attempts to play their normal free flowing rugby.
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It took about 25 minutes before the scoreboard was troubled by either team. The home side were enjoying most of the territorial advantage and then ‘Town found themselves just outside the 22 in a good attacking position. They couldn’t take advantage and the Monaghan winger gathered the ball and broke a couple of attempted tackles to race down the field and score. The try was converted and an ominous 7 – 0 lead opened up.
Randalstown responded well and were awarded a penalty for their efforts well within O’Kane’s range which reduced the deficit to 7-3.
With half time approaching Monaghan were camped on the ‘Town line again and only some heroic defending and a fortuitous knock on by the home side kept them out. From the resulting scrum however ‘Town handed the advantage straight back and Monaghan scored out wide to stretch their lead.
‘Town started to attack meaningfully and having almost been queuing up to score were awarded another penalty. While the temptation to go for the corner loomed large in the end they sensibly decided to take the points and reduce the deficit.
The second half started in torrential rain and was as tense and turgid an affair as the first with only a further O’Kane penalty troubling the scoreboard.
The clock ticked down and the visiting support’s nerves frayed as they wondered how ‘Town were going to overcome the stern Monaghan defence. They attacked in waves but were constantly repelled until eventually Lavery found a hole and burst through to touch down. The conversion from out wide was narrowly missed and ‘Town were now defending the slenderest of leads with only minutes remaining.
Finally from the back of a scrum the ball went to Laverty who hoofed it into touch in the hope that this was now the last play and to everyone’s relief the referee concurred blowing the final whistle.
When looking for a man of the match it is always difficult to look past John O’Kane who was again immense at scrum half. Laverty stepped up to the mark in the second half and controlled his back line but Alex Fleck caught the eye this week for some stern defence and enterprising attack and gets the nod.
Coach Stevenson was as relieved as he was delighted with the win and will once again look to his men to step up to the mark against Newry on 31st March where a win will secure the league for them. This will kick of in Neillsbrook at 2.30 pm as usual and of course all support will be most welcome.
On a more sombre note the club are saddened to hear this morning of the passing of William Beggs. Our thoughts are with the Beggs family at this difficult time as the larger than life character that was ‘Beggsie’ will be badly missed by family and friends.
