Coleraine 1st XV 10 Randalstown 1st XV 11
After last week’s poor display and defeat at the hands Carrick RFC, Randalstown RFC made the journey to Sandel Lodge Park to play second in the table Coleraine RFC who have only lost one league game so far this season. The game started with intense Coleraine pressure ,however good defence kept out the home side. After 15 minutes the referee awarded a penalty to Coleraine for an infringement in the Randalstown 22, and the Coleraine out half slotted over an easy kick to give the home side a deserved 3-0 lead .
Good defence from the Randalstown players continued and Colerine were unable to add to their narrow lead. The highlight of the game at this stage was the great tackling from Randalstown. Despite this heroic defence after 25 minutes the home side increased their lead with a well taken try which was converted giving them a comfortable 10-0 lead.
Whilst it looked ominour the score seemed to give Randalstown the motivation to compete and three great runs by the experienced Chrissy Allen almost resulted in scores. ‘Town eventually breached the home side defence when a great run by Gary Hume resulted in a quick penalty . Matty Turner, who stepped up from the seconds, was alert to the chance and ran in a great score so that the half time score didn’t represent an insurmountable chance, ending at 10-5 in favour of Coleraine.
The second half was an end to end tussle with both sides giving their all in an effort to clinch the game. Superb work from Captain Dan Wilson and his forwards gave Randalstown the opportunity to close the gap when a Coleraine player was caught offside and Dan McGlade slotted over a difficult penalty making the score 10-8 to the home side.
Randalstown began to take control of the game and were unfortunate to have a score disallowed. With the home side tiring another penalty from the accurate Daniel McGlade gave the visitors a slender 10-11 lead with 15minutes left.
The last period of the game was played at a hectic pace and every one of the Randalstown squad were determined to hold on for a well earned victory. Disaster struck when the referee awarded a penalty to Coleraine in front of the posts but Randalstown were relieved to see the kick go two metres wide. With a few minutes left the visitors continued to dominate and when last play was called by the referee, the ball was hammered into touch and Randalstown had secured a well earned victory.
The coaching team of Gary Longwell and Alistair Strangehave worked hard work this week to lift the team after last week’s result. The team lead by Captain and man of the match Dab Wilson all deserve credit for their performance, however this was no freak result, but one achieved by a suberb team effort. What a great day for all the Randalstown supporters who travelled to Coleraine and now we all look forward to the next league game in two weeks.
Randalstown 3rd XV 7- 45 Ards 4th XV
Randalstown thirds travelled to Ards with high expectation following their win against Armoy last week. However they came up against a strong Ards 4th XV who had bolstered their side from their recent trip to Neilsbrook. Ards quickly settled into their stride with aggressive work at the breakdown forcing turnovers which they were able to capitalise on. They forged into an early lead with Randalstown unable to put them under any real pressure. As the half wore on Randalstown gradually gained some more possession, a strong run from Conor Murray in the centre created the space for Brian Gourley to score in the right hand corner, Murray converted the try. Despite this giving the away side some renewed hope the second half, injuries at key moments disrupted their momentum and the game reverted to dominance for Ards who were able to add to their scoreline and run out easy winners in the end.
Next Saturday the 2nd XV travel to very near neighbours Ballymena 4ths and hopefully Manager Sloane and captain Hyndman will have everyone fit and available for what could prove to be an absolutely crucial game as the seconds march on undefeated this season. The 3rds are due to entertain Harlequins at Neillsbrook and will no doubt appreciate the home support. For images >> https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10152809956254183&type=1
