Randalstown promoted!

RANDALSTOWN Rugby Club travelled to Belmont to take on Qualifying 1 side CIYMS in this playoff game to decide who should be in Q1 next season.

A large crowd of Randalstown supporters arrived in Belfast to discover the game was going to played in a gale force wind, making it impossible to play open running rugby.

In the first half all the play was in the Randalstown half, however a strong defence kept the home side out and at half time the score was 3-0 in favour of CI who scored the only points of the half with a simple penalty.

Randalstown had expected to dominate the second half but by the third quarter all they had was a penalty from Eoin Letters to level the scores.

Disaster struck when a CI forward movement resulted in a try in the sixty fifth minute. It was a score that was deserved as they battled the elements.

With only a few minutes left and five points behind Randalstown laid siege on the home sides line, but poor passing and bad luck kept them from that all important score.

With one minute left the Randalstown winger Peter Cullen danced past four defenders and ran twenty-five metres to touch down for a try which brought the scores level 8-8.

The conversion attempt was met with silence, home supporters hoping that Eoin Letters would miss in the strong wind; however, the kick went between the uprights and the Randalstown team and supporters began a celebration that went on into the night.

Promotion into the top league in Ulster rugby is an unbelievable feat for a small club like Randalstown RFC, said a Club spokesperson.

“The players deserve huge credit for all their efforts over a long season. Coaches Dee Smith, Ivan Smith, and Jamie Orr have moulded a group of players into a top team.

“Our thanks to our team manager William Allen who makes all the pieces come together every Saturday during the season.

“To our faithful sponsors and supporters you deserve this success.

“Well done the Town!”