Ballyclare Have convincing Win In Co.Donegal
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Letterkenny 0. Ballyclare 31.
BALLYCLARE Rugby Club 1st XV maintained their strong start to Qualifying 2 on Saturday with a 31-0 win at Letterkenny.
This makes it 3 wins from 4 starts - and really they should not have lost by a single pointat Carrick. From the four games they have scored 154 points to date. The unbeaten clubs so far are Bangor, Lisburn and Carrick as well as Academy.
On Saturday, due to wet conditions at the Cloughan, the Seconds and Fifths League games had to be postponed. Also Ophir were unable to field a team against the Fourths in the Minor League.
For the trip to Co. Donegal, Skipper Coburn was back as flank forward, JR McAuley moved to hooker, Russell returned at out-half and M.Todd was in as wing forward.
In the first half Ballyclare played against the wind in wet conditions but were always stronger in all areas of play. Letterkenny promoted from Section 3 last year had not won and were a young inexperienced side - but they held out until mid-way through the half when from a ruck second half Colin Morrow broke away to score a try converted by Clotworthy. The Clare forwards were well on top with W.Logan outstanding and Todd broke away but Reid just failed to hold the pass. Then after more pressure, Tweed went over for a try from a ruck and the conversion by Clotworthy made it 14-0. The latter was just wide with a penalty and Ballyclare were well in control at half-time.
In the second half with wind advantages, Russell kicked well to keep the home side defending. More pressure by the pack allowed C.Morrow to nip in for his fourth try in two weeks and Clotworthy's kick made it 21-0.
From the re-start kick Logan dummied to Coburn before racing fully 60 metres to score a great solo try again converted by Clotworthy. Clotworthy also kicked a penalty which took the lead to 31-0.
Then winger Weatherup followed up a chip kick by S.Morrow to go in for a score which strangely was disallowed.
Ballyclare kept pressing and really could have won by 50 points.
Man of the match was Willie Logan who was outstanding especially in the loose.
Again Colin Morrow was in top form while Paul Morrow defended really well. Up front J.R McAuley, Coburn and Todd all worked really well. Ballyclare's kicker Clotworthy again proved to be very accurate.
Team - S.Morrow, G.Weaterup, P.Morrow, G.Clotworthy, T.McAuley, D.Tweed, I.Heaney, T.McAuley C.Coburn (capt), W.Logan, M.Todd.
Saturday Fixtures
This week-end the 1st and 2nd XV's have no games. Thirds are home to Lisburn II. Fourths home to Carrick III and Fifths home to Queens IX.
The youth team are at home to Larne in the league - U14, U16 and U18 level.
