Roesiders Take Derby Spoils
Strabane 10 Limavady 44
Usually with with derby matches in any sport the form book goes out the window and the underdog will raise their game for the two days in the year that they play. This was no different. Played on a small tight pitch at Strabane High School, the Tyrone men came out of the blocks from the first whistle and gave the promotion seeking Roe men their toughest battle in many months.
A 7th minute try which was expertly converted from the sideline set the tone for the first 20 minutes as the home side went to dominate in both the possession and territory stakes. A Pearse McNickle penalty eventually got the scoreboard ticking for the visitors, but Strabane went on the offensive from the restart and their out-half landed a drop goal to restore their seven point lead. Eventually the home rearguard was breached when on 25 minutes scrum-half Jamie Miller picked up from the base of the scrum to race in unopposed to start and claw their way back into the game. as the half wore on the Limavady started to get into the game more, but the home side were not for lying down easy, and they held onto their two point advantage to the break.
Half time Strabane 10 Limavady 8
There was to be no repeat of the slow start to the second half, as a penalty from Pearse McNickle in the first minute of the second half gave Limavady the lead for the first time in the game. This set the tone for the rest of the half and just five minutes later hooker Adam Miller crossed for try number two after good work from Wilson and Moore. Five minutes later came try number three. A Limavady lineout on half way was won by second row John Purcell, and he raced clear to score under the posts. The homside were beginning to tire and after losing a forward to a leg injury gaps were starting to appear in what was previously, a rock solid defence. On the hour mark it was Peter Wilson who crossed for try number four and Peasre McNickle kicked his third conversion of the day.
A ruthless third quarter from the visitors saw a two point half time deficit become a twenty two point lead. Try number five arrived on 73minutes. Peter Wilson took a pass from Adam Miller and went on a mazy and popped a pass to supporting full back, Pearse McNickle who converted his own try for a personal haul of 19 points. Score of the day arrived in the last minute. Winger Hunter and Jordan combined to release out-half Faulkner he feed Moore who off loaded for Wilson to score in the corner for his second try of the day.
Final Score Strabane 10 Limavady 44
A vital away win that keeps the Roesiders top of the league, but unbeaten Larne are hot on their heels after a 43-0 win at home to Newry.
The Saracans recorded a very impressive win in the McCambley Cup, coming from 12-0 down at half time to win 20-12 against Clogher Valley 3rds. This win sees them qualify for the semi finals for the second year in a row. That semi final will take plave on Saturday 21st March at home to Rainey 4ths.
Fixtures for next Saturday see the 1sts XV travel to Ophir while the 2nds entertain Enniskillen 2nds, and the Saracens host Finn Valley. All games kick off at 2.30pm.
