Ballyclare outscored by Ulster U19 XV
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
BALLYCLARE Rugby Club 1st XV, still missing a few regulars, took on the Ulster under 19 squad on Saturday at the Cloughan and were disappointed to lose 33-21.
On the day the team work, support play and at times pace of the Ulster young players allowed them to score more tries.
Ballyclare had a similar side to that which had beaten Coleraine the previous week, but this time there were starts for Russell (fly-half), Byers (scrum-half), Davies (wing-forward) with Clotworthy moving to centre.
Playing conditions were good and the Upper Cloughan pitch in top quality shape. Ballyclare started well with Russell kicking to the 22 to set up a good position. Unfortunately key centre Paul Morrow sustained a groin injury and had to go off - this was a real blow to the whole back-line and Ulster almost scored.
Ballyclare lost out at the next lineout and from the following scrum the Ulster centre ran in a try converted by the full-back for an early 7-0 lead.
After another attack, Clotworthy cleared well and Logan and Coburn made ground up the right . The pack drove to the line and Davies scored a try converted by Clotworthy to level the scores 7-7. Next Weatherup lost posession and the impressive Ulster number 8 was in for a good try which was converted to regain the lead 14-7. Following a harsh penalty against the home side the Ulster winger raced away to get an unconverted try to lead 19-7 at half time.
The Ulster coach made several changes at half-time while Watson came in at scrum half and McAuley and McKinstry came in to the park for the home side plus Evans.
Early deep kicks by Russell and Clotworthy pushed Ballyclare forward and McKnight followed up. From a ruck, Coburn was halted close to the visitors line. But the game stagnated as both sets of changes meant momentum was lost.
Pressure from the home pack resulted in a superb solo break by Watson and he raced in from the 22 for a very good try converted by Clotworthy to reduce the arrears to 19-14.
Sadly the home defence was missing Morrow and the Ulster wing-forward and captain at Ballymena Academy broke away to go in for a try which was converted to make it 26-14.
Minutes later their centre raced in unopposed to get an easy try. The conversion put Ulster 33-14 ahead. Then a late break by Evans and a kick ahead saw Clotworthy going over for a try which he converted to make the final score 33-21.
Ulster did deserve their win as they always had players well in support at all phases. For Ballyclare Logan, Coburn, Davies and Clotworthy all showed up well but up front, lack of early support was at times a problem. The game was played at pace especially in the first half.
Ballyclare team: A. Alexandler, A. McKnight, P. Morrow, G. Clotworthy, G. Weatherup, I. Russell, G. Byers, D. Montgomery, N. Smith, A. Boyd, M. McAdam, I. Heaney, C. Coburn, W. Logan, C. Davies, E. Jenkins, A. Watson, J. Crothers, D. Evans, G. McKinstry, J.R. McAuley.
Seconds at Randalstown Tournament
A rather weakened squad from mainly younger players represented Ballyclare at the annual Randalstown tournament. Coach Bill Baillie was also low in numbers but he was pleased with the efforts from the team.
They recorded an 8-5 win over Holywood which could have been by a greater margin. The try was created by G. Smith while J. McDonald also kicked a penalty.
The 'Clare boys fought a tough game with Carrick, losing narrowly 5-0 to a score at the very end. This was a good performance. Tired legs showed in the last game with Ballymoney which was lost 10-3 - McDonald kicking a penalty. There were good performances from G. Smith and B. Kenny.
The league section qualifiers were Carrick and Ballymoney.
Ballyclare have won the Moore Cup at this tournament more than any other club.
