The last game of the season didn’t get off to a good start for the ‘Town men as Lisburn nudged ahead with a converted try despite ‘Town having some decent phases of possession in the opening exchanges. Clever play by scrum half Smith gave them an opportunity to reduce the early deficit but unfortunately the attempt sailed just wide of the uprights. Shortly afterwards Lisburn converted a penalty to stretch their lead to 10-0 with the interval looming.
The game became as messy as the conditions with ‘Town conceding a series of penalties before an injury to centre Montgomery resulted in a lengthy stoppage. Thankfully Montgomery was given the all clear at hospital.
When the match restarted Lisburn took advantage of the slight disarray in the Randalstown ranks and crossed for a second try.
Eventually ‘Town got some rhythm going and McCann converted a penalty opportunity. With the clock ticking down Dan Wilson nipped in for a well deserved score and Michael Smith crossed the line at the death. This meant that Randalstown gained an important losing bonus point.
Now 6 points clear of Larne Randalstown must hope this is sufficient to avoid relegation. On paper Larne have a mountain to climb as they face the top 3 teams in their remaining games, but bearing in mind the number of marginal results ‘Town have had this season which could have completely altered their predicament, nothing can be taken for granted until the league is played out.
Randalstown 2nd XV 53 Holywood 2nd XV 0
Randalstown 2nds entertained Holywood 2nds at Dunmore on Saturday afternoon and ran out convincing winners, with a 53-0 scoreline.
The home side started strongly and when ahead after just 5 minutes played. McWhirter made the initial break from inside his own half and when the ball was recycled Turner sprinted through ragged Holywood defence to score under the posts before adding the conversion.
Minutes later Tommy Shannon gathered a loose ball in his own 22 and hoofed it deep into the Holywood 22. McWhirter was first up to tie up the defenders. David Smith was hot on his heels to snaffle the ball and set McWhirter up again to scamper over.
After a spell of pressure in the visitors 10 meter area Cathcart pounced on a poor pass from his Holywood counterpart at the base of a scrum and added a 3rd try which Turner converted.
Holywood gradually became more involved but were met by sturdy ‘Town defence and with just over half an hour on the clock the home side further increased the lead. Having spent a spell in their own half they edged back into the Holywood 22 and from a scrum David Smith, operating at number 8, put the half backs under pressure. The loose ball was hacked through and Shannon was first in the race to touch down.
From the restart ‘Town hit straight back again with the best score of the day. Initiated by Turner, great hands by Hamilton, Goodrich and Cathcart put Vernon Thom away, and the winger squeezed over in the corner. Just before half time the visitors were again unable to control the ball and the ‘Town pack were quick to put them under pressure. This time Smith was the man who got his hands on the ball and strolled in under the posts. Turner’s conversion took the half time score to 36-0.
Holywood started the second half reduced to 14 men, losing a player to injury and ‘Town took full advantage right from the kick off. Despite having copious amounts of possession however they were thwarted on a number of occasions but some dogged defence from the visitors. It was 15 minutes before they were able to move the scoreboard on. From a quick penalty on the Holywood 10 metre line the ball was taken on by Hamilton and when he was held up on the line his fellow front rower Robin Adair was on hand to scramble over for his first try of the season.
Holywood then lost a further player injured and their resistance was finally broken. Randalstown ran in 2 more tries courtesy of Turner and the impressive McKay before the referee decided enough was enough and blew the final whistle early.
This was a competent performance from Randalstown as they mastered the wet conditions better than their opponents. There was some good handling displayed despite the wet and the mobile pack were always putting pressure on the visitors. .
Manager Sloane was impressed by McWhirter and Crawford in the back line, which Goodrich was the pick of the pack.
Randalstown 2nds are in the mix in the top half of Junior 5 at the minute with nothing to choose between 3rd, 4th and 5th place. They have a few league fixtures remaining and must be targeting a top 3 finish. It is however a dual focus as, having despatched Holywood 2nds this afternoon, they now turn their attention to the Forster Cup semi-final next Saturday against Ballymena 5s at Eaton park. Skipper Hyndman realises they will have to move up a couple of gears for what will undoubtedly be a tough test.
The 3rd XV game against their Holywood counterparts did not go ahead as unfortunately Holywood were unable to field a team. The 3rds travel to Portadown 5ths next Saturday in the semi-final of the Butler Shield.
All support for both the 2nd and 3rd XV will be greatly appreciated as they strive to clinch a final spot in their respective competitions. Please make every effort to travel to either Ballymena or Portadown next Saturday afternoon and support the teams.
