Malone extend their unbeaten run to 5 games in the Ulster Bank League

Report compiled by George Millar

Despite several changes due to injury and unavailability it was a confident Malone side who took the pitch at Gibson Park on Saturday to play Dublin visitors Blackrock College. The East Belfast team were hoping to add to their four match unbeaten run in the Ulster Bank League that had seen them move level with Nenagh Ormond at the top of Div 2A.

The opening minutes witnessed some enterprising play by Malone involving backs and forwards with out half Callum Smith the architect of this encouraging period of rugby. Centre Mark McCrea suffered a reoccurrence of a groin injury to be replaced by Kieran Joyce.

It was 25 mins before Winger Mark O'Connor opened the scoring with a well struck penalty for Malone. It was a just reward for their dominance both in terms of possession and territory.

Within ten minutes Blackrock were level through out half Peter Quirke after Malone were penalised for a high tackle.

With the Gibson Park team in the ascendancy it was the final pass that was letting them down as a well organised Blackrock defence continued to keep their opponents out. Winger O'Connor added a further penalty to leave Malone leading 6 - 3 at halftime.

Once again the East Belfast made the stronger start in the second half only for Blackrock to take the lead. In one of their few attacks their centre executed an offload to create a two to one for their winger Shane Brennan to score a try in the left corner converted by Quirke to give the Dublin side an unexpected 10 - 6 lead.

Malone went on the attack forcing Blackrock to concede penalties and yellow cards. Turning down kickable penalties the Malone scrum won a penalty try with O'Connor giving his team a 13 - 10 twenty minutes into the second period.
Eventually Malone made the game safe. Once again the outstanding Callum Smith switched play to create a four to three for winger Nathan Brown to score an unconverted try in the left hand corner.

On the final whistle Malone conceded a penalty for Quirke to convert and leave the final score 18 - 13 and allow Blackrock to leave Belfast with a losing bonus point.

Once again the Malone pack won this game with out half Callum Smith continuing to impress. This week I would have to give hooker Dan Kerr the man of the match award. He does so much unseen work in carrying and tackling in the loose.

Another win for Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong and his players that leaves his team level on points with leaders Highfield and second place Nenagh Ormond. Despite so much possession and territory the Malone team lacked a cutting edge and became too predictable in their play as they attempted to unlock the Blackrock defence. With a potent attacking three quarters of Mark O'Connor, Nathan Brown and Jack Owens the Malone coaches have to develop attacking strategies to bring these players into the game.

With a three week break before Malone play Galway Corinthians at Gibson Park on the 18th February the coaches and players have much work to do with six games remaining.

Three games are away to Highfield, Nenagh Ormond and Banbridge with Corinthians, Queens Uni and Cashel at home. It is not an easy run in. Twelve months ago Malone would have struggled with several players unavailable for the match with Blackrock. With the squad continuing to add strength in depth, the win over Blackrock is an another indication of the progress the team has made after winning only one from four matches during a difficult period in October and the first week of November.

Highfield, Nenagh Ormond, Banbridge and Queens will be the favourites to finish in the top four. Can this Malone team maintain their form and remain in the promotion chase.

Malone seconds are home to Belfast Harlequins next Saturday at 1PM. Make sure you get along to support the team.