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Last season’s Nutty Krust winners, Dromore, started the defence of their title in fine style on Tuesday night with a strong performance as they disposed of a valiant and enterprising Randalstown outfit by 27 points to 7.
Right from the kick off Dromore were determined to show that the Nutty Krust trophy was not going to be surrendered easily. They dominated the first half totally in terms of possession & territory enabling them to score 5 unanswered tries in a fine exhibition of rugby which involved both forwards and backs. Their backs caused panic in the Randalstown defence as they spread the ball wide at every opportunity whilst their forwards were in control at the lineout and in the contact area.
Their first 3 tries were scored as a result of good play by their backline, in which Ulster U 18 Club’s centre, Owen Gallagher, was prominent as he continuously made lots of ground with his strong running. The first Dromore try came straight from the kick off as Randalstown found themselves under pressure just metres from their goal line. A blind side break saw open side flanker, Jordan Mc Mullan, score in the corner. Randalstown then enjoyed a short spell of possession and went through numerous phases but failed to make any impression on the Dromore defensive line.
Then Gallagher took a great line just inside his own half to take play deep into the opposition’s 22. From the ensuing ruck lock forward Andrew Bl;ack crashed over to extend the lead to 10-0.
From the kick off the Dromore backs once again moved ball with great speed to futher threaten the Randalstown line. From a 5 metre lineout-well won by lock Matthew Martin, who was outstanding in the lineout throughout the game, a forward drive led to another score this time by tight head prop, Mark Hylands. Centre Gallagher made another telling break just before half time which led to a second score for Jordan Mc Mullan leaving the score 1t the break 20-0 in the holder’s favour.
The second half saw a different Randalstown appaer! Whatever their coaches said at half time seemed to rejuvenate them and straight from the kick off they showed their intentions as they attacked Dromore by keeping the ball in hand. Randalstown’s No 8, David Smith, who seemed to be fighting a lone battle in the first half, suddenly found plenty of support especially from centres Darryl Mc Garry and Supreet Jayaprakash. Unfortunately for Randalstown all of their hard work came undone once they entered the opposition’s 22 as ball was all too often knocked on or turned over. Dromore, having survived the early Randalstown pressure, then scored a fifth try slightly against the run of play. Their number 8, Ryan Kerr, who had an excellent match, caught a Randalstown kick deep in his own half and set off on a counter attacking run which took play deep into the Randalstown half and led to the try of the match being scored by centre & Man of the Match, Owen Gallagher. Out half Chris Davison added the conversion leaving Randalstown facing a 27-0 deficit. To Randalstown’s credit they were determined not to throw in the towel. They continued to attack and scored a well worked try of their own. Number 8 Smith took play deep into Dromore’s half with a terrific break and off loaded to the supporting Mc Garry to score under the posts. Out half Matthew Turner added the conversion leaving the final score 27-7 to Dromore.
Dromore now face Rainey O.B. in the quarter final under theChambers Park floodlights on Wednesday 6 April.
Willie Gribben
Barney Mc Gonigle
PRFC Tournament Organisers
