Ballyclare progress to last 8 of the cup.
Spectators at the Cloughan on Saturday were treated to another display of attacking rugby at the Simpson Developments sponsored 2nd round Junior Cup match. Playing conditions continued to be unseasonably dry and bright. Enniskillen were the visitors as Ballyclare took on opposition from the west/south of the province for the 3rd week in a row.
Following penalty exchanges in the first quarter, Ballyclare led 6-3. Back row forward Jordan McKinstry took a knock and was subbed to receive treatment. JJ Baird took to the pitch to make his welcome return to the Ballyclare first team, in his place. Tweed switched to the backrow, with JJ taking up position on wing.
Ballyclare progressed into Enniskillen territory, the backs spread the ball right timing passes perfectly to draw in the opposition. Baird gratefully received the final pass and touched down in the right corner for an effective reintroduction to the Ballyclare squad.
The Cloughan men restricted Enniskillen’s attacks but continued to concede penalties allowing the opposition two further kicks at goal to bring the score to 11-9. With Ballyclare inside the Enniskillen 22, Niall Lawther received a pass and slipped through a narrow gap in the Enniskillen defence to score just to the left of the posts. Smith duly added the extras to take a 18-9 lead. Smith added another penalty as the half was drawing to an end, but Enniskillen had the last say with a try wide left, having stretched the Clare defence. The conversion attempt rebounded of the upright and left the half time score Ballyclare 21 Enniskillen 14.
At the start of the second period, Ballyclare were keeping Enniskillen pegged back in their own half. Great Clare line speed forced Enniskillen to send a wayward pass, Robert Smith got the luck of a bounce, gathered the ball and ran in to score under the posts. Converting his own try Smith brought the score to 28-14.
Enniskillen never gave up and came back with a well worked try. Having kicked deep into Ballyclare territory they mauled their way to the line from a lineout. The resulting conversion was missed.
JJ Baird was now on the pitch again following his earlier cameo. The powerful winger hit the line in the middle of the pitch inside the Enniskillen 22. Drawing defenders, in attempts to stop him, he popped the ball to Andrew Butler, who was on his shoulder to run in Ballyclare’s fourth try. Smith added the extras. Enniskillen again came back with a try, however it was too late to change anything as the final whistle sounded to send Ballyclare into the quarter finals, 35-24 winners.
Another effective performance by the team, backs and forwards combining well in attack. The returning from injury, front row forward David Lawther was awarded Ballyclare’s man of the match by sponsor David McWhirter for his all-round energetic performance.
The team now have a weeks break before returning to league action away to CIYMS on 31st October. There will be a 1.30pm ko on this date because of RWC final.
Ballyclare 1-15; D Lawther, R Scott, M Finlay, M Stevenson, A Neill, J Mckinstry, G Weatherup, W Logan, T McGookin, N Lawther, R Tweed, S Cusick, G Clotworthy, A Butler, R Smith.
Replacements; JJ Baird, D Chambers
