Select 3rd XV sides for Belfast Harlequins and Malone kicked off the commemorative matches at Deramore Park on Saturday afternoon. The matches, in memory of Patrick “Chippy” Baird, are now in their second season following the untimely passing of the popular clubman in December 2020.
The match was played, using extended squads, over three 20 minute periods of high octane action!
Quins dominated territory and possession throughout the first period, but it was Malone who had the best of the scoreboard. An early break from Malone resulted in an attacking lineout in the Quins 22 and flanker Conor Spence twisted over for the opening try after three minutes to give Malone a 5 – 0 lead.
The visitors went further ahead in the second quarter with fellow back row Arthur Conlon running in a loose kick from distance to finish up under the posts for Conor Henry to convert.
Quins finally made their possession count with James Pratt finding the line after an extended period in the Malone red zone. The conversion was pulled wide and the teams went into the final period with Malone leading 5 – 12.
The home side pushed hard for an equalising score and they got over the line for the second try midway through the final period with the hard working Conor Kelly taking the honours. However the conversion was missed and Quins trailed Malone by 2 points as the game went into the last 10 minutes.
Malone had their chances but the home sides tails were up and they got over for the winning try with a couple of minutes left, Chris Patterson rounding the defence after a match winning break from Matthew Reid. Reid put the icing on the cake with the final conversion to give the home team a 17 – 12 win.
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Select 3rd XV sides for Belfast Harlequins and Malone kicked off the commemorative matches at Deramore Park on Saturday afternoon. The matches, in memory of Patrick “Chippy” Baird, are now in their second season following the untimely passing of the popular clubman in December 2020.
The match was played, using extended squads, over three 20 minute periods of high octane action!
Quins dominated territory and possession throughout the first period, but it was Malone who had the best of the scoreboard. An early break from Malone resulted in an attacking lineout in the Quins 22 and flanker Conor Spence twisted over for the opening try after three minutes to give Malone a 5 – 0 lead.
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