Perennials RFC I XV v CIYMS Select XV:

Our opening match of 2012 against CI saw the Perennials just edge a very entertaining and competitive match by 5 tries to 4, to maintain their 100% undefeated record for the season. A good turn out of players and supporters added to the post Christmas festivities with the game only being decided in the final quarter.

A tightly fought first quarter ended at a try a piece, with Ricky McIlmoyle rolling back the years to produce a great solo effort with at least four side steps thrown into the run for the line, reminiscent of Phil Bennett in his hay day. (If our touch line match reporter has exaggerated this please advise.)

The close encounter continued in the second quarter, again producing a try a piece, with Michael McAllister touching down for the Perennials. The Perennials edged ahead in the third quarter with Michael McAllister scoring two more tries to complete a memorable hat-trick in his first season and give the Perennials a 4 tries to 2 lead, going into the final session.

The final quarter saw CI pull back to level the scores and with the Christmas festivities taking their toll on our Captain, our side line tactician Colin McKee made the brave call to substitute our Captain. This spurred the team to turn on the style and former Ulster and Ireland centre Maurice Field scored what proved to be the decisive try for the Perennials, minutes from the end.
 
A big thank you to match referee Neil Spottiswoode and to CI for their hospitality and their donation of the proceeds of the post match raffle towards our nominated charities.

In the post match press interview, Ricky McIlmoyle credited his unique side stepping and dummy techniques to his figure hugging underwear that molds his body into the correct condition and gives him the aerodynamics to give him the ideal balance. He emphasized the importance of dress sense and ensuring you were properly groomed before taking the pitch. As the changing room quickly emptied click here to judge for yourself.

>> Perennials v Carrick 04 December 2011

At a bitterly cold Woodlawn, the Perennials maintained their unbeaten record with a hard fought draw at 6 tries a piece.