Randalstown 1sts, playing in the Junior Cup for the first time in over a decade, triumphed over City of Derry 2nds at Neillsbrook on Saturday afternoon. In a lively game where the lead changed hands many times the home side eventually ran out deserved winners.
‘Town, again showing a few enforced personnel changes through injury and unavailability, particularly in the pack, stepped up to the mark and produced a tremendous team performance. Indeed it is testament to those who were called up that they gave 100% and were not found wanting. The front row of Foster, switched to loose head, Keating at 2 in his frist outing for 2 seasons, and Mowbray playing his first game at this level fresh from the successful Randalstown U19 squad all gave a sound performance.
The opening minutes of the match saw ‘Town very much under the cosh, but a strong burst from centre Laverty, fresh from his honeymoon, brought play into the City of Derry half. His centre partner David Smith then provided some fine defence in the Derry 22 to win ‘town a scrum. A great drive from the pack gave O’Kane clear ball and he whipped blind side to Steven Johnston coming in at pace from full back to dance his way into the 5 metre area before popping to McGlade who squeezed over for the opening score.
‘Town continued to press and Michael Smith, who had a fine game at number 10, went close with a drop goal attempt.
The visitors however were showing great willingness to run from anywhere, and were capitalising on some loose kicks which were being held up in the wind. Their increased possession eventually brought reward in the form of a penalty on the ‘Town 22 which they duly converted.
Five minutes later a scrum on half way found ‘Town sleeping and the Derry backline broke easily through the home defence to touch down for a converted try.
At this stage ‘Town were again weill under the cosh, and the loss of O’Kane at scrum half was another blow. Thankfully McWhirter, and able deputy, was on the bench and therefore introduced to the fray. The home side soaked up a lot of pressure and to their credit the defence held strong. Just on half time a great tackle from Ian Hume, as Derry broke from a scrum inside the Randalstown 10 metre line, put the visitors on the back foot. Johnston made a great interception and headed for the Derry line before being hauled down inside the 10m line. Derry conceded a penalty but the relatively straightforward kick was missed and the half time whistle blew with Derry still ahead 10-5.
The 2nd half saw the same fine attacking rugby and mistakes from both sides, as the scoreboard went into overdrive.
Barely 5 minutes in C.O.D. were penalised at a scrum on halfway. Dan Wilson tapped and drove into the heart of the Derry defence. Michael Smith carried the move on before quick ball came to Niall McGlade who found himself up against 3 forwards and easily sliced through to side step the remaining defender and run in under the posts. Johnston added the conversion.
Derry hit straight back and went very close after a ‘Town mistake in their own 22. From the resultant scrum McWhirter disrupted opposition ball before seizing on subsequent loose ball. His long run to the line was stopped just short by a fine covering tackle but he was able to pop the ball to Michael Smith who had supported well and Smith dived over in the corner for his just reward.
Derry again came back strongly and on 50 minutes Smith received a yellow card fro holding on. The visitors pulled back 3 points from the resultant penalty. They proceeded to exploit the absence of Smith as they ran in 2 converted tries and stretch their lead to 27-17. It was looking ominous for ‘Town with barely 20 minutes left on the clock, but an over throw at a line out by Derry on their 10 m line was gathered by ‘Town. Again quick ball found Smith at 10 and he hit the line and went straight through the defence to touch down under the posts. Again Johnston added the extras.
The introduction of James Pedlow from the bench at tight head set off a chain of events leading to another try. Winning a penalty from Pedlow at the scrum ‘town again set off quickly but were thwarted by a deliberate knock on from the Derry centre, who was promptly dispatched for a 10 minute rest. Kicking to touch ‘Town took good ball off the lineout on half way. Smith then fed McGlade coming off his wing and he carved through the defence before offloading to Smith junior, and the young centre sprinted home to nudge ‘Town ahead again.
The visitors however were not prepared to lie down and hit back in the dying minutes. First they stole a ‘Town lineout deep in the home half and looked threatening until a brilliant interception by Johnston killed the game as he sprinted the length of the field. Stopped just short again he was able to off-load to McGlade who was able to twist his was over and complete the scoring.
While the supporters thoroughly enjoyed the end to end thrills and spills the coaches were as likely more concerned by the various ‘spills’ on both sides. Nevertheless Randalstown coach Stevenson must have been delighted with the performance of his young side in producing such a spirited display. A number of ‘stand-ins’, and that term should be used very loosely considering the outstanding performances they put in, showed that perhaps there is more strength in depth in this Randalstown outfit than had previously been thought possible.
Young Ian Hume, mentioned as having stood out the previous week in a fairly dismal ‘town performance, again punched well above his weight in the back row. Dan Wilson was as ever solid in defence and strong in attack and was as ever ‘just Dan’, while the return of Liam Hurrell to the back row gives the pack an added dimension.
Similarly the backline as a whole showed pace, determination, and not small amounts of skill against good opposition, making the game a pleasure to watch.
Next Saturday the 1st XV are back in league action at Ballyclare, the 2nd XV travel to Holywood 2nds while the 3rd XV entertain their Holywood counterparts at Neilsbrook. Kick off as usual is at 2.30 pm and all support is warmly welcomed.
