Ballymena 4th XV 15 Randalstown 2nd XV 20
Randalstown 2nds continued winning ways on Saturday afternoon when they edged out loc al rivals Ballymena in a damp encounter at Eaton Park. This keeps ‘Town on top of Junior 4 currently two points clear of nearest rivals City of Derry 3rds.
‘Town started the game at a high tempo , keeping Ballymena on the back foot. Despite the conditions they were playing an expansive game, moving the ball at every opportunity. This was rewarded after 15 minutes when Conor Murray knocked over a penalty.
Minutes later the young winger was the instigator of Randalstown’s first try. Breaking from midway in his own half Murray brought the rest of the ‘Town backline into play and some fine handling and running ended up with Ben Winter going over from close range. Murray added the extras.
Ballymena however edged their way back into the game, keeping the ball tight and kicking well into space. With just about half an hour played this tactic paid off as they rumbled over from a lineout for an unconverted try.
For the remainder of the half Randalstown were forced to defend hard but were unable to prevent the home forwards from powering over for a second try to level the score 10-10 at half time.
After the break ‘town found themselves under continued pressure but gradually got back on top, thanks in part to a huge effort from substitute Scott McClenaghan who had been introduced to the fray at half time. Some re-jigging following injury to Andy White saw Scott Goodrich switch to the wing and the flanker didn’t look out of place as he almost made it over for a try. Randalstown took advantage of being deep in the home territory and were rewarded with a further penalty opportunity which Murray knocked over.
Into the last quarter of the game Matty Turner chased down a long punt from Ballymena and pressurised the full back into slicing the clearance. Gathering on half way McClenaghan charged through the Ballymena defence and despite being stopped just short of the line he managed to wriggle over and touch down. Murray again converted.
Ballymena were quickly back into ‘Town territory and from a 5m scrum the forwards were able to power over for a slightly controversial score as it appeared there was a knock on preceeding the score. This reduced the deficit for Ballymena to 5 points and they threw everything at the visitors in the remaining minutes. Some very valiant defence from Randalstown kept them at bay for a hard fought victory.
This was a well deserved victory as the ‘Town outfit handled much better in poor conditions than the opposition, again reflecting the efforts being put in during training, and their defence was immense. It’s hard to pick out individual stars in what was another superb team performance. Manager Sloane however continues to be impressed with Matty Turner at number 10, both in defence and attack, and McClenaghan’s big hits inspired his team mates in the final tense defensive effort.
Next week the 2nds have a break before entertaining Ballyclare at Neillsbrook on the 23rd.
Randalstown 3rd XV 38 Harlequins 4th XV 7
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Meanwhile at Neillsbrook the 3rd XV entertained an experienced Quins side and despite the equally poor weather both sides opened with running rugby. Early breaks by the veteran Adie Johnston and Phil Clyde set the home side up in the Quins half for the first 15minutes. Following a number of charges by Ash McClenaghan the ball was moved out to Phil Clyde and the big forward dived over to opening the scoring. The relaible Adam Service added the conversion.
However a lapse of concentration allowed the visitors in for an easy try. A penalty in front of the posts gave Quins the opportunity to go ahead but fortunately the visitors out half missed what was an easy kick.
This let off gave Randalstown the chance to re-double their efforts and it wasn’t long before Ash McClenaghan crashed over for a well deserved try. This was followed by the try of the game so far by the experienced McGarry who ran the length of the pitch and touched down under the posts, Both scores were converted by the skilful Adam Service . Half Time score 21-7
The Randalstown team started the second half with further attacks on the Quins line and the bulky Paine added to the score with a well taken try, unfortunately Service missed the conversion. Two further tries followed, the second by the bulky Ben Joyce who beat four defenders and used his weight to dive over in the corner.
Both team manager Aaron Murray and captain Adie Johnston were pleased with the overall performance of the team, the return of veteran Mark Mullholland and Ben Joyce , who needs to improve his fitness levels, gives the team a few more options for the next game and hopefully they will be able to consolidate and improve on their current mid-table position after a well deserved couple of weeks rest.
Next Saturday the 1st XV are back in action against UUC at Neillsbrook when they will hope to get another win on the board and make progress up the league table.
