The 2nd XV rugby team struggled to get the results they deserved this year, frequently leaving the pitch the better team but on the wrong end of the result. Due to injuries, other commitments, and call-ups to the 1st the already small squad was stretched to their limit with players often having to play out of position just to get a team out. It is a credit to these young players that they just got on with the job in front of them without out complaint and rarely let their heads drop. There were moments of individual and team brilliance but most of all there was a team spirit to be envied.

The team was anchored by the front row containing captain David Quinlan, Jack Toner and Adam McConnellogue. David’s calm, controlled leadership being a counterpoint to Adam’s fiery determination to win. Together the three of them gave the team a solid base to build from as well as gaining hard yards ball in hand. Injury reduced Adam’s involvement this year with Brandon Guthrie stepping into an unfamiliar position when needed, his performances would suggest that he could have a future in the front row.

The second row was the most contested position in the team with Mackenzie Guthrie, Brandon Guthrie, Leo Collins and Ethan Taylor all having game time. Mackenzie and Ethan also appeared in the back row and as already stated Brandon played in the front row. The 2nd lineout was arguably our biggest strength with Jack Toner’s accurate throwing and the Guthrie twins providing safe hands providing quality ball for the team. Mackenzie and Brandon both proved willing ball carriers and provided the team with go forward ball while Ethan’s ability over the ball resulted in jackals at crucial times.

The back row was a very fluid unit with Kaleb Gordon, Dylan Bond, Conor Jones and Freddie Gault all pulling on the 6,7 or 8 shirt alongside Mackenzie and Ethan. Freddie was this year’s Mr Versatility and will get more of a mention in his more regular backline position. Conor played the majority of his rugby with the 1st XV this year but was a welcome presence with his knowledge of the game and leadership when he did appear. Dylan rarely missed a tackle this year and played with grit and determination, his season was shorted by concussion and his contribution in defense was missed. Kaleb, the team’s most valuable player, was a monster in attack and defense. He has an ability to change direction at the last minute resulting in always hitting a weak arm in the tackle which results in him getting over the gain line nearly every time he gets the ball. Defensively Kaleb was everywhere and never fell off a tackle. Injury at the start of the season put Kaleb on the sidelines for a few games and the team noticed his absence.

Into the backs, Josh Connolly was an ever present at scrum half where his rapid recycling and quick thinking provided the team with quality ball and momentum, he harried opposition scrum halves throughout each game disrupting the quality of the ball they could provide. Despite his size his defensive work was outstanding and at times it was like having an extra back row, there was not a game where he did not get at least one jackal. Another ever present was James Laird at out half, James is a highly gifted ball player and an exceptional kicker out of hand and from a tee which provided options in attack and relief when needed in defense. James provided a calm, measured approach to the game that complimented Josh’s speed and energy and together they asked questions of each opposition.

At inside centre was Harry McDonald, in his final year at Limavady Grammar, who provided a calming maturity and leadership to the back line. Harry was a danger in attack and solid in defense throughout the year. The outside centre position was mostly held by Jack McCorkell who provided good hands and speed. Later in the season Freddie Gault stepped in from the wing to play at 13 where he shone and it was here the vocal energy, speed and hard tackling that he had displayed on the wing and at 6 all came together. This step up along with his influence and adaptability earned Freddie most improved player.

There were a number of changes in the back three over the season with Shea Keeley, Matthew Kirkpatrick, Jack Lindsay and Luke Wallace all having game time. Shea, who was also Vice Captain, appointed himself through his actions as the team’s moral officer motivating and entertaining the team during training, at matches and everywhere in between. Shea also added pure speed to either the wing or full back and this made him the most dangerous attacker in the side, scoring the most tries. Matthew came to the team later in the season and added pace and surprising hard hitting tackling to the wing. Jack provided reliable cover on the wing or at full back wherever he was needed. Luke is one of the most dependable and resilient members of the squad who worked hard to improve all year.

Moments that stand out for the 2nd XV this year include:

Their first match against Foyle where they were under the cosh throughout the game and put in a defensive display to be proud of with Kaleb Gordon breaking a finger but not informing any of the coaching staff and hitting tackle after tackle all game. His display only being outshone on the day by Josh Connolly’s 4 try saving interventions, twice getting under the ball, once driving the attacking player back over the try line and one try saving tackle.

The second half performance against Omagh, after a half to forget on a frozen Omagh pitch, the team picked itself up and put in the team performance of the season with James Laird controlling play with tactical kicking and releasing a number of devastating back line moves which resulted in two tries for Shea.

The away game to Foyle where we arrived with a total of 30 players across both the 1st and 2nd XVs which meant no subs were available to either side. The 2nd XV had a very competitive first half with the score even at half time. During the first half we lost a player to the 1st XV and at half time another to injury. This left us kicking off the second half 13 v 15 players and the team stepped up with Mackenzie Guthrie side stepping the Foyle fullback to score the first try of the second half. Unfortunately, shortly after this we lost another player to the 1st XV leaving us with 12 players, at this point Foyle began to put on the pressure and went ahead on the scoreboard. It was a coaching decision to call this game early to avoid unnecessary injuries against a full-strength Foyle side in a ‘friendly’. To the credit of the players, they kept their heads up and competed to the final whistle.

I would like to thank Mr Hughes, Andy Lemon and Jonnie Gordon for all their support throughout the year. Mostly I would like to thank David, Jack, Adam, Mackenzie, Brandon, Leo, Ethan, Kaleb, Dylan, Conor, Josh, James, Harry, Jack, Shea, Freddie, Matthew, Jack and Luke who have been a pleasure to spend time with and have all worked hard to improve their fitness and their skills. Despite this year’s results I could not have asked for more. I have said it before, you should all be proud of yourselves.