In their last home game of the current season, Strabane Rugby Club’s 1XV managed to overcome very strong Belfast High School Former Pupils team who had been in the mix to top the Championship 3 table. Tries from Adrian Crumley, Craig Doherty and Christiaan Grobler helped Strabane to a 17 points to 5 Victory.

On a wet and grey Saturday afternoon Strabane headed to the Bradley Way knowing a win over their opposition would essentially deny them in their hopes of topping the Championship 3 table. The rain started just as the game kicked off and it was clear the conditions and extremely heavy pitch would have an influence on the game. Strabane looked the more dominant in the first 10 minutes as they were camped on the Belfast 22-metre line, but struggled to get that final break to score. Strabane scrumhalf William Finlay spread the ball well, with Keith Gamble and Craig Doherty carrying well. CJ Grobler probed the Belfast defence well but could not find a gap. The break would come for Strabane after Strabane winger Adrian Crumley gathered a high ball and stepped at least 4 defenders to open the scoring. Conversion missed by Finlay. 5-0 to Strabane.

Strabane would suffer a double injury blow with second row Simon McSparron and number 8 Keith Gamble going off with injury to be replaced by debuting Samuel Orr and the experienced head of Mark young. The game would ebb and flow as the wet and muddy conditions made it extremely hard for either team to get into their rhythm with a number of knock-ons slowing the game down. In the final moments of the first half, Belfast threatened a the Strabane try line but good defending by Ryan McKittrick, Richard Olphert and Jack Graham helped keep the score 5-0 to Strabane going into the second half.

The second half kicked off with Strabane doing most of the attacking. A Strabane lineout in Belfast territory allowed the forwards to drive up to the Belfast try line. Strabane second Row Craig Doherty would finish off the move getting a try on his first start for the first XV. Conversion missed by Finlay 10-0 to Strabane. Belfast would really put the pressure on the Strabane defence but only managed a penalty in which they converted to leave the score 10-3 to Strabane. Strabane would seal up the victory when Christiaan Grobler made one of his trademark bursts from midfield to score for Strabane. Conversion scored by Finlay. Finlay score Strabane 17-3 BHSFP