Scott keeps Limavady men's cup hopes alive

A DRAMATIC stoppage time try from prop forward Clive Scott saw underdogs Limavady snatch a terrific win in the Junior Cup quarter final, away at Town's Cup winners Ballymoney, on Saturday.

The battling display from a young Roesiders fifteen was a far cry from the performances that have seen them fighting for survival at the bottom of the league for the majority of the campaign, and the squad will be hoping that they can use it as a springboard to push on for the semi-final against coach Glen Kyle's former charges, Clogher Valley.

Another vintage display from John Semple was at the heart of the victory, his fifteen point haul, highlighted by a superb individual try in the first half had the travelling support in raptures, but he had a keen supporting cast who stepped up their game in demanding circumstances, especially when a couple of key players for Limavady had to leave the pitch after picking up injuries.

With the advantage of a slight breeze, Limavady started strongly and took a fifth minute lead with a John Semple penalty. Semple increased the lead on 10 minutes when he ducked and dived through the Ballymoney defence for a breathtaking individual score which he himself converted.

Disaster then struck for the Roesiders when Glenn Crawford and Shane Gallagher were both injured in the same play and were unable to continue.

Ballymoney took advantage of the re-shuffle in the Limavady line-up and for a lengthy period exerted pressure on the visitors line.

The Roeside defence held firm until almost inevitably big Aidy Graham crashed over for a converted score to leave the half-time score at 10-7 in favour of Limavady.

A Ballymoney penalty 10 minutes into the second half brought the sides level, but Semple restored the Limavady lead with a penalty on the hour.

With Willie McCollum yellow carded from the re-start, Ballymoney seized the initiative to exert huge pressure and when Johnny Hannah touched down after a series of powerful surges for a converted score with only five minutes left on the clock, it appeared Limavady's chance had gone.

But deep into injury time the young Roeside pack laid siege to the 'Money line and impressive young prop Clive Scott crashed over at the posts for the winning score to further raise his stock at the John Hunter Grounds. Semple made no mistake with the extra points, and against the odds Limavady were into the semi-finals.

Limavady coach Glen Kyle was delighted by the display against Ballymoney, in particular he was pleased at how his side battled right to the end.

"I have no doubt that we would have lost that match four months ago," he said.

"But the penny has dropped. These guys believe in themselves now and know they can compete with the best teams in this league. We showed great heart on Saturday, and I am confident that we can bring that to this weekend's game."

Although he is eagerly anticipating this weekends match with his old club, he is all to aware of the challenge that awaits his young Limavady side.

"They will be a different kind of animal to play against, Clogher play a different style of rugby and are specialists when it comes to the end of season cup runs, so it's going to be a massive game against a determined side. But our boys will be up for it."

Limavady face Clogher Valley at 2.30pm on Saturday at the John Hunter Memorial Grounds. A good turn out of supporters may just make the difference on the day, so show your support for the men in black and turn up to cheer them on.