I XV KICK OFF NEW SEASON WITH CLEARCUT WIN
Ballyclare Rugby Club, after a series of mixed results from pre season friendly squad games against Section 1 opposition, started their Qualifying 2 league campaign on Saturday away to Lisburn which brought a well deserved 33-6 win. But the strange thing was that the referee blew up for full time 10 minutes short to the amazement of both sets of supporters and the players which actually denied the Clare from an imminent fourth try and likely bonus point. Lisburn had played a good part of the second half with 14 men following a red card to one of their forwards and they had got a couple of yellow cards in the first half. Considering the Clare were missing regular fly half and second row this was a promising performance and result.
To make it a good all round day the Clare 3rds at home managed to win 20-14 against Rainey 3rds in Junior 3.
LISBURN 6 BALLYCLARE 33
Ballyclare were without regulars Nial Lawther and Graeme McKinstry due to injuries and had to reorganise. There were promising debuts from Jordan McKinstry,Ian Holmes both in the pack and James Greer on the wing. The team tried to play at pace from the start as Morrow looked for an early opening and full back Smith made a strong run after good work by new skipper Rob Boyd.However the home out half was able to clear to the Clare 22.But the next phase of attacking play forced Ballyclare to stray off side and a Crothers penalty gave Lisburn an early 3-0 lead.Ballyclare continued to try and move the ball at speed but just failed to get past a dogged home defence. Minutes later the home team was penalised and Clare full back Smith slotted over the kick to level the scores. Next a break by Crawford into the home 22 should have brought a score but just lacked support. Then Byers was halted after a useful run but the pressure had to tell and new wing Greer raced clear to get the first try that was converted from touch by Smith to go 10-3 up.More attacking play brought a penalty which Smith kicked to give his team a deserved 13-3 lead at half time.
At the restart a great surging run from deep by Weatherup took play into the home 22 leading to another penalty which the reliable Smith slotted over to go further in front.Another penalty for not releasing gave him another kick at goal and he made it 19-3 as Ballyclare continued to dominate with great running from both backs and forwards.Momentarily Lisburn came back with a second penalty from Crothers to reduce it to 19-6 but after this they had a forward red carded -he had been yellow carded in the first half and their pack was now under more pressure in both loose play and set pieces.From a break on his own 22 Weatherup raced clear to get a fine solo try with Smith adding the points.Another run from the dynamic flank forward ended with hooker Holmes getting in for the third try also converted by Smith to go 33-6 ahead.A break by Morrow almost led to another score for Greer and then Clarke followed up a kick ahead by Crawford and was unlucky not to get that vital fourth try. Lisburn once more threatened to hit back with a strong surge from their number eight but he was halted by a Morrow tackle. It was at this stage that the official blew up with 10 minutes still to play -Ballyclare had totally dominated the second half with great work up front from skipper Boyd,Logan,Weatherup. McKinstry and Holmes while Clarke and Crawford always posed a theat in midfield and both wings showed pace with the attacking runs and kicking from Smith being of the highest quality.
BALLYCLARE 3rds 20 RAINEY 3rds 14
In this Junior 3 league game at the Cloughan, the Thirds fielded a useful team and started well before being pegged back by the Magherafelt men in the first half.The home team showed good early form and on his debut Peter Beasant raced in for a try to go 5-0 up. Then Andrew Alexander kicked a penalty to increase the Thirds lead. But at this stage Rainey hit back with two converted tries to take a clear cut 14-8 lead into the half time break.
However in the second half a poweerful run by man of the match Matt Crothers brought him a try to reduce the visitors lead to 14-13. More strong attacking play led to atry from full back Steven Beasant that was converted by Alexander which put the home team 20-14 ahead. They defended well for the rest of the game when Rainey had a man sin binned and also home centre Reid was also yellow carded. But this was a valuable win with great performances from Crothers in the pack and Ricky McAdam in the backs.
FIXTURES -this Saturday the 1st Xv will be tested by Qual.1 team Cooke at the Cloughan in first round of the Junior Cup . There will be a pre match reception full details from club President Gareth Johnston (07853710221).
