Roesiders Emerge Victorious From The Mud In Mullusk
Ophir 0 Limavady 47
At 2.20pm last Saturday afternoon the same band of loyal supporters who ignored the comfort of their homes and the 6 Nations to come and support their club seemed set for a dry day and perfect conditions for some running rugby. That all changed dramatically in the next five minutes as a gale force winds and heavy rain hit the North Belfast venue. All of a sudden players had to deal with a wet ball and respective kickers were facing a real nightmare.
The visitors who had a rather slow start in their previous game in Strabane last week started a bit brighter in this one taking the game to their hosts from the off. The first score of the day arrived on 16 mins. Winger Ross Moore touched down after coming in from the wing to collect a pass from Greg Jordan. Try number two arrived just two minutes later. Chrissy Hunter, back in his favoured position of inside centre after his exploits on the wing last week, broke through the home rear guard for first score of the day. Full back Pearse McNickle kicked both conversions and the writing was already on the wall for the home team after just 18mins.
Any ideas of a comeback from Ophir were dispelled on the half hour mark. An Ophir attack down the Limavady right was turned over and scrum half Jamie Miller raced clear down the right, he passed to John Purcell and he raced clear unopposed to touch down under the posts. The score of the day arrived four minutes later. A quick penalty from Miller saw him put Peter Wilson away. He raced away down the Limavady left and looked to be finishing the move in the corner, but he unselfishly passed back to Miller and the scrum-half touched down for try number four. Pearse McNickle kicked his fourth conversion of the day and at HT it was Ophir 0 Limavady 28.
The Roesiders continued their ruthless fashion at the start of the second half, as in the first three minutes they added two more tries. The first one came from winger Johnny King, and then two minutes later John Purcell got his second score of the day. With the two points in the bag it was important to keep concentration levels high and as Ophir attacked the Limavady defence were showing no signs of mercy as hard work from the Limavady pack kept the homeside at bay. On 60mins the defence were rewarded for their endeavours as Hunter, Miller and Purcell combined for open side flanker Perry Semple for try number seven. With McNickle adding the extras the score was now 47-0, and with the conditions deteriorating the referee took the sensible option on 65minutes to bring proceedings to a halt.
So another victory on the road keeps the push for promotion firmly on track, but that could all be decided in two weeks time when unbeaten Larne come to the John Hunter Memorial Grounds in what is looking like the league decider.
The seconds and thirds were also in action last Saturday and both came away with home wins. The seconds had a surprisingly easy win against their Enniskillen counterparts 45-0, while the Saracens kept up their good form up with a hard earned win at home to Finn Valley, 15-13.
Only one fixture next week. The Saracens travel to play Strabane 2nds with a 2.30pm kick off.
Next Saturday also sees the big fight night against St Matthews Drumsurn. It all throws in at 7pm at the Roe Valley Recreation Centre. There are still a few tickets remaining, but it is expected that these will sell out over the next few days. Anyone wishing to get their hands on one please see Glenn or Neil A.S.A.P.
