On Saturday at the Cloughan it was a key clash in Kukri Qualifying 2 with the visit of unbeaten league leaders Bangor against second placed Ballyclare in a game sponsored by Simpson Developments. The Clare had Coburn and Tweed in the pack as the only changes from the win against Grosvenor.But the game was affected by two injuries to Bangor players –their number eight only lasted for a few minutes but the first half was fairly tight though the Clare seemed that bit sharper.An early break by Morrow and Logan took the home pack up to the Bangor 22 only for the home side to be penalised and the visitors turned defence into attack. But Lawther eventually cleared the danger and Bangor lost a centre with what looked like a broken finger.A powerful break by Clotworthy should have brought the first score but he lacked support. Another break from Lawther kept the home side going forward and from the next scrum a sharp break by Morrow saw Crothers following up to go in for the try which was converted by Morrow to edge 7-0 up. To their credit Bangor tried to hit back but Baird cleared his lines and then home skipper Logan made ground to force the visitors off side and Morrow slotted the kick to increase the home lead. Bangor were again penalised for what seemed to be back chat but this time Morrow`s kick was just wide so it remained 10-0 at the interval.
CLICK HERE FOR 100+ Pictures courtesy of official club photographer Gleno Photo
An early second half run from Weatherup who in the last three weeks seems to have adapted quite well from wing to flank forward allowe Logan to make ground and find Lawther who nipped in to score a try converted by Morrow . Next a break out on half way by Lawther led to Clotworthy racing in from the 22 to get a try for a 22-0 lead. Bangor did well despite being two men down and their fly half made a break on half way and found Noble out wide and he got in at the corner to reduce the home lead. However Clotworthy again made ground only to be unfairly stopped and Bangor were penalised with Morrow kicking the penalty which put the Clare 25-5 ahead. Each team was further reduced as a couple of players were sin binned. A break out by Jackson took the home side deep into the 22 and Lawther kicked ahead for Byers to race clear for a try again converted by Morrow. A few minutes later Logan was halted close to the line as the White Hares were wellon top. Reid made ground up the right and Byers was up in support to get his second try converted by Morrow so it was now 39-5. Inside the closing minutes Morrow raced away from half way and found Logan who outpaced the Bangor defence to go in from forty metres and of course the mercurial Morrow converted to make the final score 46-5–the first loss by Bangor in the league to date. Man of the match in a good all round effort from the Clare was fly half Nial Lawther. Up front the back row of Weatherup, Logan and Coburn worked really hard while Morrow at scrum half was instrumental in most Clare attacks with Clotworthy and Jackson solid in mid field.
Team-G.Byers;J.Reid,J.Jackson,G.Clotworthy,J.J.Baird;N.Lawther,C.Morrow; A.Boyd,A.Wylie,D.Tweed; M.Crothers,I.Crothers; C.Coburn,W.Logan (capt),G.Weatherup
The Seconds game away to Ballynahinch 3rds and the Thirds at home to Bangor 2nds were postponed due to waterlogged grounds.
