Late score denies Ballyclare in local derby
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
BALLYCLARE Rugby Club 1st XV were beaten by the narrow margin 26-25 on Saturday by Carrick in a league game which they should have won.
The game played at Woodlawn in summer like conditions had a try by the home side four minutes from the end when the 'Clare pack were driven back off their own half for a demoralising defeat.
Ballyclare brought D. Montgomery in at prop for the injured Alan Boyd and Graham McKinstry moved to second row for Evans with J.R. McAuley coming into the back row.
Ballyclare had slope and slight wind advantage in the first half and Weatherup had a strong break to the home 22. A drive by Coburn led to a penalty kicked by Clotworthy to lead 3-0. But Carrick hit back with a try by Marsden from a ruck following a line-out to put the home team 5-3 up. Following more good work by Coburn, winger J. Reid raced away from his own 22 to score on the right, Clotworthy just missing the conversion.
A break by C. Morrow forced Carrick off-side and Clotworthy kicked the penalty to give the 'Clare an 11-5 lead. A run by Weatherup into the home 22 could have been useful but lacked support. C. Morrow also kicked deep but the home defence held out. Another chance was lost as two 'Clare players were accidentally off-side and it was still 11-5 at half time. Before the interval Weatherup got an injury after a tackle and needed treatment.
In the second half a useful run by S. Morrow again lacked support and Carrick came back with a break by Marsden to put McKinney in for a try which was converted to lead 12-11. The home out-half now kicked well to push his forwards up field but good play by Coburn had Mardsen well off-side. Clotworthy kicked deep and the 'Clare pack drove to the line for McKinstry to score a try not converted for a 16-12 lead.
Despite a strong break by Weatherup the visitors were penalised and the Carrick mid-field made the opening for their winger to score a try to regain the lead 17-16. The 'Clare defence was broken again as the home centre broke away to score a try for a 22-16 lead.
Following a strong kick by Russell the 'Clare pack drove forward and W. Logan got the try converted by Clotworthy for a 23-22 lead. Then a drive by C. Morrow had the home side penalised and Clotworthy slotted over the kick for a 26-22 lead.
But in the closing minutes the visitors were driven off their own ball for Carrick to get a late try on the blind side for a narrow 27-26 victory. For Ballyclare, Coburn, Weatherup, C. Morrow, McKinstry, Todd and Logan all stood out.
