Lisburn 1st XV 12 Randalstown 1ST XV 25
Randalstown travelled to Blaris to take on Lisburn in an important Qualifying 2 league game. Going into the game the teams were sitting on equal points separated only by ‘Town’s superior points difference. The result should now move ‘town into 3rd place with a couple of games in hand at this stage of the season.
Randalstown, possibly uniquely, fielded 3 sets of brothers with both David Smith and Ryan McGarry called into action due to injury and unavailability, making up a duo of Humes and Smiths and a trio of McGarrys.
The home side began on the attack with Randalstalstown’s defence being tested on a number of occasions. After 10 minutes they converted a penalty opportunity to take a 3-0 lead. With both teams playing a kicking game and trying to establish territory at this stage there was nothing in it. Then Lisburn were awarded another penalty within kicking range which they duly converteded
With Randalstown not really making any impression it looked as though Lisburn were beginning to take control of the match. Then Wilson and Hurrell linked well following a quick tap and shipped the ball wide to Smith. He passed to O’Kane who pushed over the line and narrowed the gap to a point. ‘Town continued to press and a good break by McGarry took them right back into the home 22. Then disaster struck when influential back row Liam Hurrell had to leave the field with a serious shoulder injury and yet again ‘Town had to play the remainder of the game a man down.
Lisburn used their numerical advantage to make life difficult for the visitors especially in the scrums. Further pressure on the Randalstown line resulted in a third penalty which extended Lisburn’s advantage to 9-5 with 15 minutes of the first half left. From the restart they were awarded yet another penalty which they duly converted to lead 12-5 going into the break.
‘Town picked up their act significantly and were camped in Lisburn’s 22 after some stern words from the coaching staff at half time. Ball was moved quickly through the hands and David Smith drew his man before passing to McWhirter who side stepped the covering defence and raced over in the corner for the try of the match. O’Kane added the tricky conversion and the scores were level.
From the restart Randalstown collected and recycled until Lisburn were forced to infringe and give away a penalty opportunity which O’Kane slotted over to give Randalstown the lead for the first time in the match.
Going in front seemed to lift the visitors and with captain Adair leading his forwards they put the home side under serious pressure. At this stage they had to come away with a further score to reflect the possession but Lisburn defended stoutly and saw ball turned over to allow them to relieve the pressure with a kick to touch. Randalstown were still in the Lisburn half however and were happy to allow O’Kane to convert a penalty resulting from Lisburn collapsing the ruck. A yellow card also ensued for the offending Lisburn defender so the numbers were even for the remainder of the game.
‘Town took advantage and a driving maul caused havoc in the Lisburn defence. The hardworking Ian Hume, slotting in at hooker for the first time, got the touchdown. Again O’Kane’s kick was on target from a tricky enough position and ‘Town were in what looked to be pole position with a 25-12 advantage. In fact Randalstown were unlucky not to get a bonus point in a game in which they never really got going until the second half.
When the ‘town outfit decide to play it is a pleasure to watch. They look well drilled and are always exactly aware of their team mates and what is required through the phases. The travelling support commented on the overall class of the backline, and the significant input made by Bailey at outhalf on the afternoon. Playing more than half the match with 14 men and a pack that was under a bit of pressure as a result means this victory was a very pleasing result.
Next Saturday the firsts travel to Strabane in the league.
Randalstown 3rd XV 12 Larne 3rd XV 19
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The 3rd XV started slowly and conceded three early tries against a strong Larne side otherwise the result could have been very different. It was another gallant performance from the 3rds as a revamped Larne side bossed the first half hour.
‘Town characteristically refused to lie down and inspired by number 8 Harris gradually clawed their way back into the game. It was the veteran Harris who grabbed an intercept try just before half time with Adie Johnston adding the extras.
The 2nd half saw some inspired tactical switches by coach Devlin as Joe Cross moved into the centre and Simon Moon edged towards his more natural position of front rower, when he moved into the engine room of the second row. Snow switched to scrum half where he had enjoyed a good outing the previous week.
Despite dominating the entire second half ‘Town were only able to add one further try. Just inside the Larne half Snow stepped inside at a ruck and linked with Johnston who threw a pass wide to Joyce. Joyce had the power and pace to step inside his defender and stretch over for a try.
There were big performances form Harris, James Clyde, and McCrory at full back, while Bishop bossed the line outs aided by some good throwing from Robin Adair, who is adapting well to the hooking position. It was flanker John Allen however who got the final nod for man of the match from Coach Devlin for an all action display particularly in defence.
Next Saturday the 3rds are in action in the McCambley cup against relative newcomers Finn Valley and they will be hopeful of a positive outcome. The game kicks off at Neillsbrook at 2.30 and all support will be very welcome.
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