Randalstown 1st XV 28 Lurgan 1st XV 6
Randalstown avenged their defeat to Lurgan just 2 weeks ago with a fairly comprehensive victory over them at Neillsbrook on Saturday afternoon, keeping alive their hopes of clinching the Qualifying 3 title. It was a pleasing endeavour in front of a sizeable crowd who had supported the last pre-match lunch of the season. Randalstown are extremely grateful to all those who have made the effort to come along to the pre-match lunches this season, and acknowledge the ongoing support. The crowd were entertained on Saturday afternoon by the principal of St Benedicts college in Randalstown where the youth section have had tremendous co-operation this season, and from whence we look forward to welcoming future players.
Coach Stevenson was upbeat before the match and his confidence in this much changed side was well placed. With various injuries and unavailabilities he had to call on Morris, Turner Willie Fleck and Scott Goodrich and they were not found wanting.
‘Town got off to a flying start with a try from James Millar almost straight from the kick off which was converted by O’Kane.
Shortly afterwards Alex Fleck drove up the middle taking play well into the visitor’s 22 and McWhirter, Turner and Laverty were all on hand to continue the move and put Adair through from short range. Unfortunately the final pass was adjudged to have gone forward and the score was disallowed.
Lurgan didn’t effectively clear their lines however and ‘Town were awarded a penalty which was duly converted by O’Kane to stretch the lead to 10 – 0.
Randalstown then took their foot off the gas and Lurgan were awarded 2 penalties in quick succession which they slotted over to reduce the deficit.
This seemed to galvanise ‘Town and Paul Morriss gathered well and sped off up the pitch only to be bundled into touch, but again the Lurgan clearance was ineffective and Foster gathered the high ball well to create a good counter attacking opportunity. Gary Hume bulled through and found Fleck in support to work back up into the 22. Lurgan managed to thwart the effort, disrupt ‘Town lineout ball and clear their lines just before the half time whistle.
Randalstown started the second half well and an early penalty kept the scoreboard ticking over. Not long after Turner, deputising at out half, ran in under the posts leaving a straightforward conversion for O’Kane to put some more daylight between themselves and Lurgan.
With 15 minutes left on the clock Millar put through a neat grubber kick to take ‘Town straight back down in Lurgan territory and again a penalty was conceded which O’kane converted. Lurgan took a long re-start which saw ‘town then pinned back in their own 22 but some timely tackling by Alex Fleck kept them out. Good line-out ball followed by a penalty clearing them back down the pitch saw Randalstown once again take the initiative and Willie Fleck was able to run in for a further try. The ball tumbled off the tee as O’Kane lined up the conversion and the ref decided that was sufficient for the day.
All in all a great performance by Randalstown and those who stepped up from the 2nds should be commended on a fairly seamless transition. James Millar got the nod as man of the match for some great aggressive defensive work coupled with tireless effort all over the pitch.
Next week the 1st XV face Newry in a re-arranged fixture and it is critical to the league campaign so as usual all support is very much welcomed. The 2nd XV travel to Armagh 3s in their league.
Lurgan 2nd XV 8 Randalstown 2nd XV 10
The seconds recorded their first victory in four games when they travelled to Lurgan on Saturday.
It was a scrappy game played in variable weather conditions from hailstones to glorious spring sunshine and there wasn’t a great deal of free flowing rugby on show, but still the spectators were treated to an exciting game as there was little to choose between the two sides. ‘Town started the game with some intent getting in among the Lurgan pack from the kick off and pushing them back into their 22. this early pressure paid off within 5 minutes when Nelson took good ball off the line out and his pack drove hard for the line. Number 8 Ings was in control at the base of the maul and was able to spin off and crash over for an unconverted try.
The home side came back strongly and exploited some poor tackling in the ‘Town ranks to level the scores.
Town went back on the offensive with Hamilton and McClenaghan, and Nelson, having a fine afternoon after a long injury lay off, drove hard at the home defence. Finally mid way through the half a solid scrum just inside the home 10 m line gave them the opportunity to whip the ball along the back line and winger Ben Winter was on hand to slide in at the corner for another unconverted try.
‘Town then eased off and the visitors were allowed back into the game. Despite not crossing the ‘Town line they were able to add a penalty to their score on the half hour.
Just before half time a neat chip from Adam Boyd behind the Lurgan defence was brilliantly fielded by Adie Johnston, belieing his age to acrobatically dive over the line. Unfortunately a timely tackle from a Lurgan defender just prevented him from a deserved score.
The second half saw even less flowing rugby as underfoot conditions worsened and both sides began to infringe more frequently keeping the ref busy with his whistle. There were few scoring chances as the game degenerated into a mid pitch battle with both teams using the stiff cross field breeze to clear any danger.
For ‘Town McClenaghan went closest to scoring with a couple of strong runs which were stopped just short and a Boyd penalty came back off the posts.
The seconds fielded a much changed side on Saturday afternoon due to call ups to the first XV and it was encouraging to see Kyle Lyness back in Randalstown colours after a sizeable absence, together with Vernon Thom returning following a serious ankle injury.
