Nutty Krust Tournament Ballymena U18’s v Dromore U18’s 3rd February 2016
The second of this season’s games in the Nutty Krust U18 Tournament took place under the floodlights at a wet and windy Chamber’s Park when Ballymena U18’s and Dromore U18’s played on Wednesday evening. The Dromore U18 team, current holders of the Nutty Krust Trophy, recorded a 34-5 victory having built up a 19-0 lead by the break. It is clear they are going to be determined to retain the Nutty Krust Trophy
The Dromore team, with the wind in their backs, started the game well and dominated territory and possession in the opening exchanges. They took an early lead when Oliver Beattie crashed over the Ballymena line to touch down for a try following a Dromore lineout. Aaron Atkinson added the extras to give the Dromore team a 7-0 lead. Fifteen minutes later the Ballymena team had the opportunity to relieve the pressure emanating from constant Dromore attacks but an attempted clearance kick found a Dromore player in space. A well organised counter attack was finished off by the impressive Mattie McMaster who scored close to the posts. Aaron Atkinson was successful with the conversion to increase the Dromore lead to 14-0. The Dromore team continued to dominate the exchanges but the Ballymena defence worked hard to keep them out. That was until just before the break when Aaron Atkinson made a great break from broken play and finished off with an unconverted try to see the Dromore U18 team into the break with a secure 19-0 lead.
Dromore kept the pressure on the Ballymena defence in the early stages of the second half. They had the opportunity for an early try but good defence from Ballymena players such as Callum Balmer, Josh Henry and Joshua Loggerenberg ensured the opportunity was lost. Eventually the Dromore pressure did pay off when their full back, Matthew Jennings, displayed great skill and awareness to touch down for a try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Dromore team now had a 24-0 lead, as well as a try bonus point. The Ballymena team responded in a very positive manner. They took play deep into Dromore territory by turning down a number of penalty kick opportunities and preferring to keep the ball in hand. Their hard working back row trio of Evan Clayton, Sean McCormick and David Fullerton got them into strong positions on a number of occasions. From a 5m metre penalty the ball was moved to the narrow side, quickly recycled, and then moved to the open side of the pitch. The Ballymena full back, Callum Balmer, took full advantage of the space in front of him to touch down for a try in the corner. The difficult conversion kick was missed by the Ballymena team had received some reward for their endeavours having reduced the arrears to 24-5. Midway through the second period the Dromore centre, Cameron Shakesby, made a great break from midfield. He was tackled by a couple of defenders but a clever off-load found Kalem Travers running a great support line. Kalem finished off with a deserved try, which went unconverted, to see the Dromore team into a 29-5 lead. The Ballymena spirit never dropped and they came close to scoring on a number of occasions. Caelen McLaughlin, Josh Henry and Shaun McCormick all got through a lot of work for the Ballymena team at this stage of the game. However, the Dromore team sealed their 34-5 victory with the final play off the game. Thomas Kileff. Aaron Atkinson, Cameron Shakesby, Elliott Forbes and Kalem Travers were all involved before Cameron touched down for the unconverted try which secured the 34-5 victory for the Dromore U18 team.
As usual with the Nutty Krust Tournament the players all received a post-match meal which was sponsored by Jim Hewitt Meats, prepared by the staff in “Scrummies” kitchen and organised by the ever present Sid Rowe. All players, as well as their coaches, received a Nutty Krust loaf on departure.
The President of the Ulster Branch, IRFU, Bobby Stewart, took time out of his busy schedule to attend the match and present the Nutty Krust “Man of the Match” Award to the impressive Dromore U18 Flanker, Kalem Travers.
The last of the First Round group stage games in the 2016 Nutty Krust Tournament will feature Armagh U18’s v Malone U18’s at 7-45 pm on Wednesday 10th February. All supporters will be made to feel very welcome.
