Comfortable home win for Dalriada First XV

From the kick-off, Dalriada, despite the rain in their faces, managed to play ‘running rugby’ throughout the match and with the forwards gaining attacking territory of the pitch within minutes.

This resulted in quick recycling of the ball to release the ‘buzzing’ backs with adequate scoring opportunities. Due to tricky weather conditions the Dalriada side weren’t clinical enough to score right from the off.

After a few minutes of high pressure keeping the Limavady side in their own 22-metre and counter rucking tactics, Dalriada eventually won a penalty. Instant thinking from Skipper Angus Johnston took a quick tap and go, slotting outside centre Stewart Moore in the corner who beat two defenders in order to get the score. The try went unconverted.

Later on in the half from Dalriada line-out, the backs and forwards pulled off a well worked who set flanker Matthew Kernohan through the gap, who then eventually offloaded to fellow flanker Matthew Lockhart who was brought down by a well tracked back Limavady defence. Again, more quick recycled ball by key player Scott Gamble, the skipper Angus Johnston darted through the Limavady defence to go in under the posts. Moore converted.

Soon after when Dalriada thought they were in full control, Limavady backs played a simple overlap off a scrum ending in an unconverted try for the home team. This brought us to the interval with the scores at 12-5.

From the restart of the second half, a scrum was awarded to the Dalriada side which presented a pre rehearsed set piece move where centre Stewart Moore claimed the ball in the air and ran it in from the half-way point. Moore also converted the try.

Moments later, the Dalriada forwards stuck it up their jumpers and continuously drove back the opposition yard by yard until they came five metres out where they held their patience from the pick and go. After numerous phases, second row Jack Horsburgh went across the line for Dalriada’s 4th try. The try was unconverted. Dalriada were now in full control of the match.