2nd XV beat Coleraine

Monday, 26 October 2009 10:14

It was a stormy autumn afternoon as Coleraine 3rds kicked off, Academy having decided to play against the strong wind. For much of the first half Academy kept possession and recycled the ball well, and played the game in the opposition half, as Coleraine failed to take full advantage of the odd penalty or turnover. However, Coleraine did score the first try when Academy missed first up tackles allowing the Coleraine centre to run the ball in from 70 metres (0-5,  25 mins).  Academy’s endeavour was eventually rewarded at the end of the half, right wing M.Geary chose not to go for the outside break, but when he stepped inside, 2nd row A.Hamilton hobbled to support and feed for  P.Moffett to score (7-5, halftime).

In the second half, Academy played the right tactics, with P.Moffett kicking deep and finding touch in the corner. Academy also showed variety when penalties came their way, P.Ross kicked the points (10-5,  49 mins), P.Moffetts crossfield kick was caught by winger R.Neary (after only one bounce) and he made 30m before being tackled just short of the corner. However the piece de resistance was when P.Moffett took a quick tap 5m out, and fed to 2nd row G.Gilliland, who carried all six defenders over the try line as he charged from 3m out (17-5,  61 mins).

Academy kept Coleraine under pressure, and when centre G.Davis fielded a clearance kick, he ran 30m before being stopped just short of the line. Academy pack recycled the ball for P.Moffett to fed G.Davis to score in the corned and P.Ross made the touchline conversion (24-5,  75 mins).
The game ended as P.Ross hit another penalty (27-5, fulltime).

      the observer,
               (tired chasing the ball and Bertie’s hat across the all weather pitch)