Fourths fight their way past Limavady into Ravenhill final

LIMAVADY III 0

Ballymoney IV booked their place at Ravenhill with a resounding win over Limavady III - with Ballymoney running in six tries and scoring 41 unanswered points in the process.

Limavady started the brighter of the two teams as they laid down the early challenge to the visitors. Ballymoney weathered the early Limavady onslaught and soon started to exert some pressure of their own.

The opening score of the first half came after a Ballymoney line out deep inside the Limavady half. After a clean catch from the lineout the Ballymoney forwards set up a maul. Limavady could not defend the resulting drive as the Ballymoney forwards powered over the try line, team captain John Waide securing the score.

James Cleland converted and shortly after the restart added a penalty when a Limavady player was caught off side.

Ian Johnston then added his name to the score sheet, the flying winger ghosted in between two defenders for a lovely try.

Aaron Ramage was next to cross the white line, the back row forward powered has way over after some good phases of play from the backs and forwards. At the half time break Ballymoney were ahead 24 points to 0.

The second half resumed with the Ballymoney continuing their dominance.

Back row forward Sam McAuley showed excellent acceleration to leave the Limavady defence for dead and touch down under the posts for a fine individual sore.

The next score again came courtesy of some good work by the forwards. After a number of penetrating phases of play, quick recycled ball saw centre Darren Smyth to pick out Aidy White.

The fullback floated a lovely pass out wide for Jimmy Speers burst onto the ball. From just inside the Ballymoney half Jimmy showed his opposite man a clean pair of heals and sprint into the corner for lovely team try.

James Cleland sealed the win with a cleverly crafted try in the dying minutes, to leave the final score 41 points to nil in favour of the visitors.

Team captain John Waide commented, “I was very impressed with our finishing today. We created and took our chances very well. I can only heap praise on the squad.

“We are a squad and every member played their part. I would also like to thank the large travelling support for Ballymoney. The encouragement from the side line is always much appreciated.”

The fourths and the club now can now look forward to the final at Ulster’s home ground Ravenhill on the 11th April when they will face Malone.