Ballyclare Gazette - Sports - Baird’s power and pace too much for Fermanagh

Sports

Baird’s power and pace too much for Fermanagh

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Baird’s power and pace too much for Fermanagh thumbnail More action from Ballyclare first game against Enniskillen.

Ballyclare RFC 29, Fermanagh RFC 10: BALLYCLARE 1st XV started 2012 with a 29-10 win over Enniskillen which gave Willie Logan's side full points plus a bonus point to take them into a challenging second place in Qualifying 2 in the game at the Cloughan.
In good conditions the visitors had slight wind advantage in the first half but the early pressure came from the Clare men only to lose posession and allow Enniskillen to break out to the 22 but a strong run from JJ Baird took play back to the Skins half.Then a powerful surge by Crothers made ground and Weatherup carried on upfield only to be penalised. The next break this time created by Byers ended with Baird racing in for a try which was converted by Morrow for a 7-0 lead. The Fermanagh side countered and forced a penalty which was just wide.The home set pieces began to be very effective despite not having had a league game for over a month and a run from Weatherup made the opening for Clotworthy to get in for a score on the right and Morrow added the points to double the home lead. Another strong run from Clotworthy almost had Byers in just before half time. Enniskillen started the second half going forward and were close to the home line but Morrow cleared the danger. From the ensuing lineout taken by McKinstry a break from Lawthertook him deep into the visitor's 22 but the ball was lost and the chance seemed gone.However the Clare fly half regained posession and cut through the defence to put Baird away on the 22 to get his second try not converted and a 19-0 lead.
This seemed to act as a spur to the Fermanagh side who drove towards the home line forcing Morrow to clear. At this stage McKinstry was binned and Enniskillen ran the penalty to eventually get in on the left for an unconverted try. Ballyclare hit back immediately with a break out by Reid and Crothers was held up on the line.