Limavady Extend Unbeaten Run
Limavady 29 Newry 10
Limavady’s playing resources were stretched to the maximum on Saturday past as fourth placed Newry were the visitors to the John Hunter Memorial Grounds. Newry still have an eye on the second place promotion play-off spot, but knew nothing more than an away win was required to keep up the pressure on the PSNI and UUC.
Head Coach Paul O’Kane handed debuts to Ben Brown, James Purcell and Jamie Gault while there were recalls for Tom McClelland, Ryan Purdy, Ricky Boyd, Chris Tinney and Adam McIlmoyle.
With all the changes it was understandable that the league champions made a sloppy start, and on five minutes the visitors took full advantage when following a lineout their No 8 managed to power over for the games first try. On ten minutes came the big moment of the half, when after making another break their No 8 get a bit by white line fever, when it seemed to easier to pass to one of two team mates outside him who would have had a fear run from five meters, but got tackled to the ground by John Purcell which led to a Limavady penalty.
After taking time to adjust to basically a new team, and the horrible weather conditions, Out-half for the day Jamie Mo Miller got the Roe Men’s first score of the day when he found a gap in the Newry defence to touch down close to the posts. Jack McCool added the extras that the home side where never to relinquish. On 35mins, prop Ricky Boyd had to make way due to a hand injury, so not only were Limavady down to 14 players, the scrums for the rest of the day were to be uncontested.
On the stroke of half time Jack McCool kicked a penalty between the posts to extend the Limavady lead to five points at the turnaround. Half time Limavady 10 Newry 5.
It was a more ruthless home side that came out at the start of the second half. In the first minute of the half Jamie Mo Miller and Jack McCool combined to set up debutant Jamie Gault who finished in the corner. Jack McCool made a mockery of the gale force wind to kick a great conversion for a twelve point lead.
On 60mins came try number three. Jamie Gault finishing off another super backs move to cap off a dream 1st XV debut. Six minutes later Newry gave themselves a fighting chance of salvaging something when their scrum half managed to get over the line following A number penalties being awarded in favour of the Down Men.
The visitors also lost a man in the last ten minutes to leave both teams with seven players up front. Limavady rounded off the scoring on 75mins when Tom McClelland touched down for try number four, which secured the bonus point for the seventeenth time out of a posible nineteen wins. Jack McCool kicked another sublime conversion to leave the final score Limavady 29 Newry 10.
Head Coach Paul O’Kane, spoke of his delight afterwards on how such a young and inexperienced side were able to carve out such a fine win against one of the section 3 top sides. A side that included 10 players under 21 has really left his management team with a lot of thinking to do over the next couple of weeks as they decide on a squad of 20 for the Gordon West Cup Final on April 16th. Next week is the last home fixture of the season for the 1st XV. The visitors are Strabane who themselves have plenty to play for as they try to avoid relegation from Qualifying 3. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Team. T. McClelland, J. Gault. R.Lamberton, J. McCool, R. Purdy, J.M. Miller, J. Miller. R. Boyd, J. Blair, A. McIlmoyle, John Purcell, Chris Tinney, B. Brown, James Purcell, D.Irvine.
After suffering a bit of a blimp in form the seconds got back to winning ways with a hard fought 8-7 victory over a strong Enniskillen 2nds side. Next up is a short trip up the road to face City of Derry 3rds. Who will be the April fools? Be at Judges Road for 7.30pm to find out.
Last weekend was one that our under 14 squad will surely not forgot for many a year. On Friday morning they set off West for two challenge matches before taking in an All Ireland League game between Galway Corinthians and Banbridge. Then to round off the perfect weekend they were in attendance to witness a real nail bitter of an inter pro between Connacht & Leinster.
Their two tour fixtures proved to be two cracking fixtures. On Friday evening they came on top against Castlebar Under 15’s 34-17, but fell to a narrow 19-17 defeat on Saturday morning to Connacht Under 15 League Champions, Galway Corinthians. A great weekend was had by all and many memories and friendships were made.
A huge thanks to Castlebar & Galway Corinthians for the games and their hospitality, and also to all the staff at the Breaffy House Resort for hosting everyone in their 1st class facilities.
