Randalstown 2nds progressed to the quarter final of the Forster Cup easing to a 62-3 win away to Newry 2nds. This was probably the second best performance of the season as they finally played to their full potential and put the opposition firmly to the sword.
It was 15 minutes before the scoreboard was troubled as ‘Town eventually broke down a dogged Newry defence. Turner won ball on the ground and when it was popped to Scott McClenaghan the big 2nd row surged through from midway in the Newry half to touch down. McCann converted.
McClenaghan was instrumental in the 2nd score 10 minutes later, taking the ball on the burst from a short line out on the halfway. Dave Harris was on his shoulder in support and it was the number 8 who finished the move, with McCann adding the extras again.
Straight from the restart McClenaghan gathered and charged through before releasing Emmet Crawford this time to run in and finish under the posts leaving a straightforward conversion for McCann.
Harris added his 2nd try of the afternoon with half time approaching and he sped in after hitting a great line on the home side’s 22.
Newry slotted over a penalty but ‘Town still had time to add a further score before the half time whistle. Harris broke from the base of the scrum on the 22, Hamilton drove up to just short of the line and skipper Hyndman was able to peel off round the side for an unconverted score which left the half time score 33-3 to ‘Town.
From the restart Randalstown pinned Newry in their own 22 and when they got their hands on good quick ball found Harris loitering on the wing to finish off the move and grab his hat-trick.
Just short of an hour played saw Smith field a Newry clearance on halfway. Linking well with Crawford and Bailey they moved up into the home 22 again before Hamilton barged over. McCann was on hand to convert.
Minutes later Loughlin nicked a ball against the head and Harris broke down the blind side. After breaking a couple of tackles he drew the full back before releasing Crawford, and the winger sped home for his 2nd try of the afternoon.
With 10 minutes remaining Randalstown scored a text book try. A great lineout take by Scott Goodrich provided good ball for the backline who in turn handled perfectly. McCann joined the line from full back and sprinted home, adding the conversion for good measure.
The clock was ticking down and ‘Town were reduced to 13 as Hamilton retired with a shoulder injury and McClenaghan took a break at the referee’s request following an over exuberant tackle. The managed a further score despite this set back courtesy of Hyndman.
This was a great team performance by the ‘Town 2nds as scrums, lineouts and loose play were all executed superbly and coupled with some classy back play on a very heavy pitch. Harris and McClenaghan were the pick of the pack and McWhirter and Turner worked hard both in defence and attack for the backline.
Next Saturday the 1st XV entertain Lisburn at Neillsbrook, the 2nds travel to Cooke and the 3rd XV are at home to Malone in a Butler shield game.
