Randalstown Thirds see off challenge of Cookstown

The weather put paid to the home fixtures at Neillsbrook but the 3rds travelled to Cookstown and recorded a victory '“ they currently sit 6th place in Junior 6 but have a couple of games in hand on their nearest rivals.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Feb 2016, 15:00 BST
Randalstown RFC.Randalstown RFC.
Randalstown RFC.

Randalstown went ahead when Cillian McGlade took a quick tap penalty in the midfield, working the ball quickly to the left side of the field where Emmet Crawford picked a great line, beating a couple of defenders before rounding the last line of defence to cross over for a good try. Jamie Barron added the extras.

Playing into the wind in the second half, after a series of drives from close quarters the forwards mauled over the line to touch down, the conversion was missed. Cookstown scored with virtually the last play as the game finished 12-5.

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The pre-match nibbles went ahead at the club despite the games being cancelled as it had been arranged to invite both Randalstown Under 18s and the Antrim Grammar 1st XV.

Assistant coach Alistair Strange spoke very pertintently as he underlined the relatively longstanding relationship between the Grammar and Randalstown. Interestingly 28 out of 30 players selected for the 1st and 2nd XVs on Saturday had an association either via Antrim Grammar or Randalstown Youth Section.

As head coach Gary Longwell pointed out – rugby at Randalstown can be played at various levels, from wanting to progress and fulfil your full potential to social rugby.

This Saturday the 1st XV travel to Coleraine, the 2nd XV have Virginia at Neillsbrook and the 3rd XV travel to Dungannon in a ‘double header’ . On Saturday evening the junior section are running a Wine & Cheese evening. Some places are still available and anyone interested should contact Roisin or Brian to secure a place.The bar will also be open on Sunday afternoon for the opening game of the 6 Nations as Ireland take on Wales in Dublin.