On Thursday Ballyclare High 2nd XV played Larne Grammar in the Ulster Schools 2nd XV Cup and won very comfortably to progress to the quarter finals just as the 1st XV have done in the Schools Cup. In excellent conditions Ballyclare were always in control and dominated most phases of play which must have pleased their young mentors Logan and Holmes.The early pressure was exerted by fly half Simon Beattie up the right and from a short penalty Stephen McArthur went in for the opening try converted by Jack Irvine to lead 7-0.
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Next a break by McArthur saw Irvine going in at the corner to make it 12-0. Then the Clare pack made ground and Matthew Dailly got a try which Irvine converted. The pack had always made ground and the team fully deserved their 17-0 lead at half time.
In the opening minute of the second half Paddy Hamill drove over for a score converted by Irvine . The team now had its best spell and Aaron Crockett got the next try with Irvine converting to go 31-0 up. The continued pressure led to a score by Simon Beattie and Irvine addad the points. At this stage Larne made a comeback and their out half managed a try and converted it to make it 38-7. But a strong run by Crockett ended with a score for Andrew Higginson to go further ahead. Almost on the final whistle Irvine made ground and Jonny Mees got in for the last try with Irvine converting to give the team a very convincing 54-7 win . Hopefully they will continue to progress in this competition.
THIRDS ALSO DO WELL IN CUP
On Wednesday both Ballyclare High Thirds and Fourths played their matches in the Schools 3rd XV Cup at home. The Thirds had a 27-0 win over Dungannon Royal with tries for Matty Williamson,Aaron Neill with two,Luke Ireland and Matt Grimason plus a conversion by Luke Ireland. In the same competition the Fourths suffered a heavy 42-0 loss to B.R.A.
Next Saturday morning (19th February) Ballyclare High 1st Xv go to Holywood to play Sullivan Upper in the quarter final of the Ulster Schools Cup and the reward will be a semi final place at Ravenhill. Support will be most welcome against Sullivan for this vital cup tie.
