Ballyclare record good away wins
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
BALLYCLARE Rugby Club 1st XV did not have a league game last Saturday. They are currently top of Section 2 with 4 wins from 5 games - but have a series of difficult matches ahead in both the league and Junior Cup - starting away to C.I.Y.M.S. this Saturday.
Coleraine II ............14. Ballyclare II ............21.
A fairly strong Seconds side went to Coleraine on Saturday and despite playing into wind and rain, dominated much of the first half. An early Coleraine attack saw Ian Russell intercepting a pass and racing away from 40 metres to score a try which he converted to lead 7-0.
They were well in control with Mark Alexander outstanding and Russell kicked to good effect. A strong run by Gareth Boyd led to a ruck from which Gareth Byers broke away to put G. Smith in for a try which was not converted. Russell later kicked 2 penalties to give the Seconds an 18-0 lead at half time. Russell was unlucky to be sin-binned.
In the second half Coleraine came back strongly and their backs ran in a converted try. Then a run by Logan ended with a high tackle and Russell slotted over the penalty for a 21-7 lead. But the home side hit back when their scrum -half broke clear from a free kick to get in for a try which was converted, making it 21-14. The home out-half controlled play and Coleraine seemed to be over for a try which was not awarded.
Despite a poorish second half, this was a useful win with good play from Alexander and Logan up front plus Montgomery, Byers and Jackson in the backs.
Malone III ..............12 Ballyclare III.......... 15
The Thirds went to Gibson Park to play a Malone team which is second in Junior 3. Conditions were poor with wind and rain throughout.
After only 5 minutes Malone were 7-0 up from an early try. Shortly afterwards they pressed and got another score - not scored. But the Thirds kept trying - despite being lighter and Andrew Alexander kicked a penalty to leave the score 12-3 at half time.
After 5 minutes of the second half following a ruck near the home line, Paul Williamson drove over for a try which was not converted. Then play was held up for 10 minutes due to an injury to a Malone player. Mid-way through the half, a good lineout ball by Mark McAdam led to a back movement which ended with Stuart Cusack racing over for a try converted by Alexander.
This put the Thirds 15-12 up and they held on for a fine win.. Again Ryan Wilson was sound at out-half, it is a pity he is not always available. In the centre Crothers and Wasson were strong and Paul Watson did well at scrum-half, out of position. Up front McAdam and Noel Smith worked hard.
Ballyclare IV 0, Ballymena V 8
The Fourths took on unbeaten league leaders Ballymena on a wet Cloughan pitch. Early pressure by the visitors led to an unconverted try.
The Fourths broke away and Weatherup was unlucky not to get over. Ballymena came close to a second try.
In the second half a Ballymena penalty made it 8-0 but the home side ht back as J. Wasson and later C. Davis went close to scoring. For the Fourths Lindsay and Crawford did well up front and Houston was useful at scrum-half. Ballymena's extra experience was the difference.
Youth Results
On Tuesday night, the club's U20 XV missing a few regulars, travelled to play Ards in the U20 league. The Ards forwards were just too strong as Ballyclare were without regular players. There was a good performance from Noel Smith but man of the match for Ballyclare was Graeme King. Ards eventually won 20-0.
On Saturday all three youth teams played Carrick away. The U14 XV lost 45-5.
The U16 XV won 19-7 with tries by Mark Wright, Steven Campbell and Jordan Campbell plus conversions by Ryan Carmichael and Steven Beasant.
The U18 XV won 13 -7.
Saturday Fixtures
1st XV v. C.I.Y.M.S. (away)
2nd XV no match
3rd XV v Headley II (home)
4th XV no match
5th XV v Civil Service II (home)
No youth matches scheduled
