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Belfast Harlequins 5th XV 19

With a recent run of months without a league win, a midweek trip to the league leaders may have filled mere mortal Quins with trepidation. Not the mighty fives however.

For the first time since the pre season tournament we had our full pack and backline of last season bar one addition, Scotty at scrumhalf. Who to be fair played a stormer. The return of Chick with his newly fitted calliper boots galvanized the side into a formidable unit. Fresh from our Ulster squad session of last week and with the Semi- Final on Saturday their was a steely determination to finish this league season off with a flourish.

Instead of our normal rest in the first twenty minutes the 5s fought tooth and nail tackling everything that moved. Ferocious defence like this has not been seen since the bus trip back from Dublin on Saturday. For the first time in living memory the 5s went ahead in a league match. Having weathered the early storm, the pack drove forward and one of several lovely back moves saw Marcus both catch the ball and score a try. Two very unusual feats I'm sure you'll agree. Roger converted 7-0 to Quins.

Holywood were competitive as table toppers should be, but I think they thought it was going to be a walkover like the first encounter. The only real weapon they had was a large a quick inside centre who Robbie Calvert managed to avoid almost all game. One ball from inside their own half, Rob's chequered flag, Chicks callipers couldn’t get there in time and my money was never on Marcus to stop him. Conversion successful 7-7.

Then the 'Mad Dog Moment'. Never has there been one so small with so much anger against English accents. What started as an pretty tame offside by Barry became full scale handbags due to hearing their scrum half’s English accent. Ten minutes in the bin for Dowling B, not for the first time. This did really bring us together and with O'Gilpin, surprisingly fresh from his Triple Crown exploits, keeping Holywood pinned back and Scotty providing great service we not only held them out but scored ourselves. Scotty making a great break round a ruck (no P's and Q's from Holywood) and scoring under the posts. O'Gilpin converts. 14-7 to mighty 5s.

With the defence round the rucks excellent again the only way through was further out. Same centre, same coloured flag, try time. 14-14.

No capitulation, this week however and another flowing move sent Ally away out wide. 19-14 no conversion. With five minutes to go it was all hands to the pump, that same frickin centre broke free and was clear through, but luckily a sniper got him just before the line and everyone just dived on top, bollox to the laws just don't let it out. Then we endured a succession of penalties and scrums on our line, but no-one let anyone through. The whistle goes and the equivalent of Leeds beating Arsenal at Highbury had just happened. Tears flowed, just from the Holywood side though.

Full time Holywood 2s 14 BHRFC mighty 5's 19

Man of the match went unanimously to Scotty at scrum half, dick of the day had a couple of nominations with Rob's flag and the bizarre call in the last minute instead of kicking to row Z, to tap and pass forward hence giving us another scrum to defend. Dowling B however must win it this week for now genuinely believing his own Mad Dog publicity.

All in all a massive performance, bring on Dromore on Saturday at Deramore (2.30 pm) in the semi final. Big support required, free beer and dancing girls after.

Team:
1. Mark McCartney, 2. Stevie Uprichard, 3. James Graham, 4. Pete Stewart, 5. Richard Cooper 6. Eddie Wilson 7. Steve Weatherup, 8. Chick Chalmers
9. Scotty, Rob’s Mate 10. R O'Gilpin 11. Ally McCullough 12. Rob Calvert (capt.) 13. Barney Leitch 14. Mad Dog 15. Marcus Cummings.

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