Randalstown 1st XV 19 Enniskillen 1st XV 10
Randalstown edged Enniskillen out on Saturday afternoon making it 2 out of 2 against this opposition and nudged up into 3rd spot in Qualifying 2.
It was a lively encounter with some fine performances from the men in red and white, but was marred by a nasty injury to centre Blayne McGarry who’s season looks like it is over.
‘Town started up the hill into a stiff breeze and the opening exchanges saw the visitors use this to their advantage and work their way deep into ‘Town territory. The well organised ‘Town defence soon turned the ball over courtesy of Montgomery and he sprinted away with Millar in support. Millar was stopped illegally with a high tackle and the penalty opportunity was converted by O’Kane to give the home side a narrow lead.
The next 25 minutes was nip and tuck neither side getting any clear advantage. What was pleasing was the Randalstown scrummaging effort which was putting great pressure on Enniskillen and allowing Dan Wilson to be at his disruptive best around the fringes.
On the half hour the visitors put in a long clearance kick and ‘Town were unable to secure the lineout ball. Enniskillen recycled well and when the ball was moved along the back line they found themselves with a clear overlap and ran in out wide for an unconverted try.
From the restart ‘Town disrupted possession and Wilson and Hurrell came up with the ball. Prop Adams made good yards before offloading to McGarry and McWhirter to carry on. They were dispossessed at close quarters. The lineouts weren’t going entirely to plan at this stage but ‘town managed to retain possession and Bailie had the strength to barge over just before half time and restore the advantage to 8-5 in favour of Randalstown.
Early in the second half the visitors, who had restarted well, were rewarded with a further unconverted try as the lead changed hands again. This was short lived as a further O’Kane penalty saw ‘Town retake the slenderest of leads.
McGarry retired from the fray at this point and for the umpteenth time ‘Town were faced with playing out the remaining half hour reduced to 14 men.
Enniskillen spurned a fairly kickable penalty opportunity maybe hoping the numerical advantage would work for them but the home defence held tight. ‘Town in turn didn’t spurn a further penalty opportunity and O’Kane was on target to extend the lead.
The last score of the match was the result of some great pace and handling from Bailie and Crawford initially and then McWhirter in support was able to use his not inconsiderable pace to speed over in the corner.
This was a pleasing performance from ‘Town against a young pacey Enniskillen outfit. The new look front row of Adams, Loughlin and Millar was very effective and the backline showed more of the pace and sparkle we have been accustomed to in recent times.
Next week the 1st XV entertain Carrick at Neillsbrook in what will be a stern test. All support is as usual very welcome. There will be a pre-match lunch in the clubhouse prior to the game and at the minute there are a few spaces available. This always makes for a convivial afternoon so contact Adie Johnston at adie_johnston@hotmail.com to reserve your space.
Lisburn 3rd XV 5 Randalstown 2nd XV 19
CLICK HERE for shots of this game –BOOM BOOM–
What a difference a week makes for the Randalstown 2nds. After taking a hammering from Lurgan last weekend they travelled to play Lisburn 3rds and turned in an impressive performance to win 19-5. Fielding a side containing 6 under 19 players they produced an energetic display.
It was the home side who started stronger putting ‘Town under a lot of early pressure. ‘Town’s defence however stayed strong and they gradually got themselves into game with McGlade and Turner constantly looking to run from anywhere. The back row of Ian Hume, Harris and Goodrich were in the thick of all the action, making bit hits and Hume in particular running hard at the home defence.
In the set pieces good throwing from Hamilton was helping ‘Town secure ball at the lineout, while in the scrums young hooker Adam Watt took 4 strikes against the head.
Lisburn took the lead when a spell of pressure eventually saw them scramble over for an unconverted try. Randalstown saw 2 penalty attempts go unconverted and so they turned round 5-0 down.
‘Town started the second half well with Jamie Orr and Chris Donnelly looking dangerous when they had ball in hand. Despite possession and territory advantage however the visitors couldn’t make the vital break through. When Lisburn lost their captain about 15 minutes into the half however after a big hit from another debutant, James Clyde, ‘Town made the extra man pay dividends.
After a good spell in the Lisburn 22 captain Hyndman stole the ball and Cillian McGlade, with a classic dummy, scythed through the defence to stretch over the line and even the scores.
The ‘Town tails were now in the air and from the restart veteran Harris made a great break down the wing. Ably supported by Goodrich they took the ball deep into the opposition 22. It was then moved swiftly across the line, where Orr and another veteran, Ryan McGarry – the old man of the back line at 25, combined well to send McGarry through for a try which Turner converted.
Shortly after that Turner was denied a fine individual score when he was pulled back for a slightly dubious knock on. Donnelly then added the 3rd with some nimble footwork avoiding two big Lisburn defenders, and scampering over to touch down under the posts. Turner added the conversion.
McGarry narrowly missed out on adding to the tally when after good defence from ‘Town he kicked through and just failed to get a touch on the ball before it bounced over the dead ball line.
This was a very satisfying performance from ‘Town with a young inexperienced side as they played with great commitment and flair. It was a great all round team effort and the pick of the pack from Manager Sloane were Conor Ferry and Ian Hume, while in the back line Conor Murray and Brian Gourley caught his eye, while Chris Donnelly on his debut showed much promise.
The 2nd XV have a break again next Saturday before hosting Ballymena 4s in the league. This more or less finishes off the 2nds campaign apart from one or two rearranged games to be confirmed.
Ballymoney 5ths 23 Randalstown 3rds 12
Randalstown travelled to Ballymoney for this league encounter which happened to be their club stalwart John Wades 700th appearance – no mean achievement.
This added another dimension to ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ as Johns clubmates from down through the years lined up for cameo roles alongside their clubmate. The defib was kept nearby I kid you not!
Randalstown welcomed back a few regulars and with Michael Savage guesting and Phil Clyde back from a long absence hopes were high and they began with great purpose. A few decisions went against them one of which led to coach Devlin trying to marshall his troops from the carpark.
The town lads fell behind to a penalty before Mark Mc Cullough unfortunately had to retire ten minutes before halftime and the coach was released from his exile to play a part. On the stroke of halftime a trademark driving maul gave Ballymoney their first try.
Halftime Ballymoney 8 Randalstown 0
The ‘Town men started the second half brightly and had early chances of scores, Simon Moon going through the gears having a great game and Andrew Sloane having a super game at fullback fielding well and returning it with interest and with new boots hopefully a sign there’s more to come.
The game became a little frantic with a few altercations off the ball but both teams saw sense to get on with the football. The town lads fell further behind to another breakaway try before Phil Clyde scored a well executed try to give the visitors hope. David Frew and Pedro Conceiaco and debutante Josh McLlelland had great runs but unfortunately as so often happens when chasing the game they were hit with another breakaway try from one of Ballymoneys young guns.
Randalstown battled to the death and got just rewards when Devlin wrestled the ball from a Ballymoney maul and crossed beneath the posts leaving a tap over for the impressive Simon Moon and an exciting and enjoyable game was brought to a close.
Final score Ballymoney 23 Randalstown 12
Adrian Johnston had a colossal game, Phil Clyde a fabulous return, Simon Moon, Pedro Conceiaco, Alan Spiers,Andrew Sloane and Josh McLlelland all had major contributions.
thanks also to Ballymoney for their contribution to a fine game played in great spirit and thanks also for their usual post match hospitality – so rare nowadays.
