Kukri Qualifiying League Section 3
JUST CHAMPION
Limavady 36 Holywood 21
With four games still to play, Limavady were officially confirmed as Qualifying League Section three winners. This bonus point win coupled with UUC not picking up any points in Lurgan mean that the Roesiders can’t be caught. It’s just rewards for all their efforts that has seen them sit top of the table from day one, and play some fantastic running rugby in the process.
Robert Lamberton was back in the side after missing last weeks cup match and he made his presence felt when he made a terrific break in the second minute to put Greg Jordan in for an unconverted try. This great start should have acted as the catalyst to push on at Holywood, but the County Down side weren’t in town just to make up the numbers. After securing ball from one of their own lineouts, out half Jordi De’pledge managed to get the ball down just on the line. He converted the try himself, but was off target with two penalties which would have gave his side a lead which their play would have deserved.
Them two misses came back to bite them on the backside when on 17mins captain Daniel Irvine ran from his own half, beat three men to touch down under the posts. Jack McCool made no mistake with the conversion, and then on 34mins, it was another forward, loose head Clive Scott broke down the right and with everyone expecting the dynamic prop to go on his own, he offloaded to scrum half Jamie Miller to claim his first score of the day. This left the half time score Limavady 17 Holywood 7.
Holywood were left scratching their heads at the break as the scoreline certainly did not reflect the pattern of the game, but they got themselves back into the game on 44mins when forward Matt Hill found a gap in a usually water tight Limavady defence to touch down close to the posts. De’pledge added the extras and it was game on again. But only three minutes elapsed until the games next score. A break from Limavady’s Greg Jordan set up scrum half Jamie Miller who touched down for his second major score of the day. Jack McCool kicked his second conversion of the day to restore the ten point advantage, but back came Holywood again. Winger Ian Maxwell capped a fine display with a great finish in the corner. De’pledge kicked another conversion and for the first time this season, defeat was a real possibility for the Roe Men.
Holywood were playing with a real spring in their step and but for some last ditch defending would have been in the lead. Limavady weathered the storm and then unluckily lost a centre to a serious arm injury, which meant they had to play out the game with a man less. Luke Faulkner took advantage of the extra space to run in try number five which was converted by Jack McCool, and then with the last play of the game Daniel Irvine picked up at the base of the scrum and then passed to Jamie Miller who ran in to the corner to complete a super hat-trick.
Full Time Limavady 36 Holywood 21
Far from the best display of the season, but still six tries, and of course confirmation an hour later that the league was officially won. The Gordon West Cup semi final draw took place last week at the Kingspan Stadium, and Limavady will face Letterkenny at home on Saturday 19th March.
The seconds were also involved in a try fest of their own as the got the better of Queens 3rds at The Dub on 41-22 scoreline. The seconds are enjoying a rich vain of form at the minute, and at the right time of the season too. In the Forester Plate they have been drawn away to CIYMS 3rds. This game will take place on Saturday 12th March.
Team: P. Wilson, R. Lamberton, J. M. Miller, G. Jordan, S. Roddy, L. Faulkner, J. Miller. C. Scott, A. McIlmoyle, J. McCollum, M. Rice, J. Purcell, J. McCool, P. Browne, D. Irvine.
Next week the 1st XV travel to the outskirts of Belfast to take on Ophir, while the 2nd XV will take on Enniskillen 2nds at home. Both games will kick off at 2.30pm.
