COOKE START THEIR DEFENCE OF THE JUNIOR CUP

Cooke began the defence of the Junior Cup with a home fixture against Londonderry YMCA who are undefeated in Qualifying League 2 .The home side kicked off into a freshening breeze but infringed at the breakdown in the 2nd minute and Barber converted the penalty for an early lead. (0-3)

Cooke settled and began to take control. After 15 minutes Vaisagote scored a good try with Montgomery adding the conversion. (7-3)

With Cooke dominating, Greenan crossed on the left after slick handling and in particular the pass from prop Armstrong but the conversion was missed. (12-3)

YM missed an immediate opportunity to reduce the margin when Barber missed a straight forward penalty. The same player again missed right on halftime to leave the score(12-3)at the interval.

With a strong wind at their backs Cooke started the 2nd half determined to assert their authority. In the 42nd minute Montgomery kicked a penalty to the corner and from the lineout a ‘chilli’ ball was called and the ball was moved wide for Montgomery to score in the corner. (17-3)

Another try quickly followed when after an interchange of passes between Keith and Greenan the captain Keith scored at the posts to keep up his recent scoring record in each game. Montgomery added the 2 points. (24-3)

Cooke continued to press and would have added to the total but for poor ball retention and dropped passes. However, they did score again in the 59th minute when a well timed pass from Kennedy put Montgomery over in the corner to leave the lead at (29-3)

. With the game effectively won the home team relaxed and experimented with the back line positions with Montgomery eventually returning to his favoured No 10 post. This allowed the YM backs into the game and following a lineout & drive flanker McCalmont went over in the corner with Barber converting. (29-8)

They added a further consolation try in injury time when Barber neatly stepped inside the cover to touch down and then add the 2 points. (29-15)

The game ended with the final score 29 15 which flattered the away team. This was a useful run out in preparation for Wednesday's league match against Enniskillen with no obvious injury problems .The strength of the squad was emphasised with Ferguson and Seawright coming in and having good games.