U.U.C. 14 Limavady 41
An early season test of Limavady title credentials were laid on the line against League favourites University of Ulster Coleraine. They students were relegated last season from Qualifying 2 and are expected to be in the mix for promotion came the end of the year. But Limavady are also hoping to be at the top end of the table come April, so an away win today was vital to maintain the good start to the season.
The home side kicked off in near perfect conditions, but it was the visitors who were making all the early running and they were rewarded for their early start on 6mins when winger Stewart Roddy touched down in the corner. A score that was made after countless phases of play from the forwards, who showed great composure and discipline to go through the phases after some frantic home defending. Greg Jordan landed an excellent conversion from the sideline and five minutes later it was a real ‘Kiwi Special’ when he touched down under the posts after a pop pass from Luke Faulkner. Jordan also added the extras.
Limavady were winning battles all over the pitch and the policy of running the ball at every opportunity was being rewarded on the scoreboard, and there was plenty more to come as well.
On 22 minutes Stewart Roddy raced clear down the left wing to score his second try of the day and at 19-0 the Roesiders were in total control. The all important bonus point score arrived on 35 minutes and what a score it was too. Jamie A. Miller in the centre combined with the returning Peter Wilson and winger Roddy. Full back Wilson chipped ahead and skipper Daniel Irvine won the chase ahead of two covering Uni defenders for a 24-0 half time lead.
If the first 40 minutes were as close to a perfect game, then the third quarter was the complete oppisite. Playing for no more than pride 14 man UUC took advantage of some sloppy play from the visitors and on 49 minutes they got on the scoreboard through some fine forward. Their No. 8 touched down with the conversion also added. Eventually the Roesiders got their act together and the final 20 minutes showed a big improvement. On 63mins Peter Wilson made another break and passed to Stewart Roddy who raced clear from 30 meters to complete a stunning hatrick. With the aid of a post and crossbar, Luke Faulkner added the extras. On 68 minutes the home side took advantage of prop Clive Scott going into the sin bin with another converted try.
But it was to be Limavady’s day and in the final ten minutes they scored two scintillating tries. The first one arrived on 72 minutes when Robert Lamberton did all the hard work to beat break through the home rearguard, but instead of going to the corner for his own score he passed to Peter Wilson for an easy touch down. Back came UUC but captain Daniel Irvine intercepted in midfield and broke into the Coleraine half and he played in debutant Sam Mackey who rounded off the scoring, and an exceptional bonus point win.
Final Score U.U.C. 14 Limavady 41
An exceptional derby day win on the road and one which showed considerable improvement from their first two games against Civil Service and Newry. Next Saturday Letterkenny are the visitors to The John Hunter Memorial Grounds in another North West derby. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Team. P. Wilson, R. Lamberton, Jaime A. Miller, G. Jordan, S. Roddy, L. Faulkner, Jaime Miller. C. Scott, J. Blair, J. McCollum, M. Rice, M. Hunt, A. Miller, S. Mackey & D. Irvine.
The seconds also had a derby of their own on Saturday against City of Derry 3rds, and like the firsts they had a try fest of their own as they recorded a brilliant 45-6 victory over their more illustrious opponents from Judges Road. Next week they travel to Mullusk to face Academy 2nds, again with a 2.30pm start.
