Randalstown were the visitors at The Hattrick on Saturday when they faced a Rainey team which included a number of 1st XV players from the clubs promotion side last season.
Randalstown were still missing a number of regulars, including the Smyth brothers, Liam Hurrell, James Millar,J O’Kane, Daryl McGarry, and the late cry off Jonny Adair. Whilst unavailability can impact on the other club teams it has been an ideal opportunity for a wider panel of players to experience a higher level of rugby than they have previously been accustomed to, which in the long run should prove positive for all the ‘Town teams. It augers well for healthy competition for places as many debutants have turned in fine performances.
On an afternoon that suited open rugby the Visitors took control of the game and after ten minutes Blayne McGarry made a great break and scored a well taken try. The Randalstown pressure continued and had it not been for some great defensive work Rainey would have been in serious trouble. Breaks by D Goodrich and C Allen almost in scores and it came as no surprise when B McGarry weaved his way through the Rainey defence and scored a second try, again unconverted.
After 20 minutes Randalstown had taken a comfortable 10-0 lead and on the half hour C Allen made a superb 40 metre break and ran unopposed into the corner to increase the lead to 15 points. Unfortunately Allen was injured as he crossed the line and had to be replaced, but Coach Longwell will be delighted to have Allen available for the league campaign.
As half time approached Randalstown relaxed their grip on the game and allowed Rainey to score a try which they failed to convert to leave the half time score 15-5 in favour of the visitors.
With William Montgomery coming on to replace McGarry the Randalstown team continued in control of the game and after a series of forward movements Ricky Loughlin made a dash for the line bursting through a number of tackles and touching down to stretch the lead to 20-5 with 20 minutes left. Not to be out done Neil Foster, the club captain, ran 30 metres and scored another try to put the game beyond Rainey. Bailey unfortunately went wide with his conversion attempt.
To their credit Rainey continued to the final whistle and deservedly scored a try with 4 minutes left to leave the final score 25-10 to Randalstown.
Coaches Longwell and Strange will be pleased by not only the victory but also the effort of all the players in a game which the home side expected to win. It would be unfair to single out any individuals in this team, as this victory was more about Randalstown as a team rather than the performance of individuals; however it looks as though there will be real competition for a place in this team as Gary Longwell and Alistair Strange prepare for the opening of the league campaign in a fortnights time.
E Crawford/R McGarry/D Goodrich/B McGarry/B Winters/ R Bailley P McWhirter/R Loughlin/N Foster/G Hume/M Allen/D Millar/I Hume /D Wilson/C Allen/ subs-C Ferry/ W Montgomery
Randalstown 2nd XV 22 Banbridge 4th XV 16
Randalstown seconds kicked off their season with a 22-16 win over Banbridge 4s at Neillsbrook. Fielding a side with only 4 regulars from last season the home side took a while to click, but eventually ran out fairly comfortable winners.
The game started in turgid fashion, in contrast to the bright sunshine prevailing, with the most prominent feature the referee’s whistle. The visitors were on top in the early stages as the young home side started slowly.
With 15 minutes played a good scrum from ‘Town just inside the Banbridge half saw the ball moved across the backline to Andrew Sloane. The lanky winger ran strongly beating a couple of tackles before off loading to Jamie Orr who in turn glided the final 10 metres to open the scoring against the run of play.
Banbridge hit straight back with a penalty to reduce the arrears. Gradually though Randalstown got on top running well with the ball in hand and putting in some aggressive tackles. Just before half time Vernon Thom fielded a long clearance deep in his own half. The enigmatic full back took off and linked with Matty Turner, who in turn sent Orr through for his second try of the afternoon.
Now with their tails in the air ‘Town almost scored again before half time. After another good run by Thom Hodge and Hyndman set the home side up within striking distance. Hodge was there again to pick up from the ruck and cut straight through the visitors defence. Unfortunately the big 2nd row had a handling disfunction behind the line (he dropped the ball) and thus failed to complete the touchdown to the disbelief of the spectators. Poor Hodge was the subject of some healthy post-match banter which prompted some of the more senior members to recall bygone years when such a mishap would have resulted in the ‘Mug’ award from the team captain. It was mooted that such an award should perhaps be re-introduced.
Banbridge kept themselves in touch with another penalty on half time and started the second half strongly with a series of penalties against the home side, who eventually coughed up an easy kick to narrow the deficit to 1 point.
Randalstown gathered themselves together following that and started to turn the screw for the next 25 minutes. Cillian McGlade, making his debut at senior level, began to shine at scrum half and was a constant threat to the opposition. He was the spark for a series of strong drives on the Banbridge line in which Captain Hyndman and classy U19 number 8 Joe Cross featured strongly.
On the hour Thom again gobbled up a clearance attempt from Banbridge and set off on a productive run. He kicked ahead from half way and the kick was well closed down by three ‘Town men who pressurised the visiting defence into giving away a penalty close to the line. McGlade took control, tapped and skipped through two defenders to touch down under the posts. Turner was able to land the extras on this occasion.
Five minutes later Banbridge lost a player through injury and ‘Town were able to capitalise on this. The forwards secured good ball in the visitors’ 22 and Cross, along with fellow back rower Cameron joining in the backline exploited the numerical advantage fully and set Willie Fleck away. The powerful winger still had a bit of work to do, but he used his strength to barge through the defence and score in the corner.
Seemingly secure at this stage with 10 minutes still on the clock Randalstown took their foot off the gas and allowed Banbridge to dictate terms for the remainder of the game. Only some stout defending, where Cameron showed great strength in the tackle, kept the visitors out. However Banbridge’s determination eventually paid off and after another cluster of penalties conceded by ‘Town they eventually crashed over for a converted try in the last play of the game.
Randalstown were happy to scrape home with a victory in the end and there was much promise in the performance. Skipper Hyndman is confident the side will come together as training continues and they get more game time.
Turning out for the 2nds on Saturday afternoon under 19 regulars Cross and Orr more than held their own and promised much for the future. Debutants Cameron, McGlade and centre Dan Burnett all produced impressive performances, Cameron in particular putting in a storming performance. The back 3 of Thom, Fleck and Sloane were secure under the constant high ball tactic employed by Banbridge, and Thom was always a counter attacking threat.
Team: V Thom, W Fleck, D Burnett, J Orr, A Sloane, M Turner, C McGlade, S Adams, R Adair, M McCullough, S Hyndman, N Hodge, C Cameron, S Goodrich, J Cross.
Next Saturday the 2nd XV travel to Ballyclare and the 3rd XV are a few miles further down the road at Larne. Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm sharp. Players are urged to make every effort to attend.
The 1st XV have a week off before their league campaign kicks off against Academy at home. There will be a pre-match lunch in the clubhouse prior to the Academy game. Anyone wishing to attend the lunch should reserve a place with Addie Johnston. Places are limited so it is first come first served.
The club has organised a night at Drumbo Park Greyhound racing on 4th October. There are still a few spaces available for this – full details on club website www.randalstownrfc.co.uk. Places (if available) can be reserved up until Monday 23rd September.
