Conditions force postponement of Ballyclare match in Donegal
Ballyclare R.F.C. 1st XV were due to travel to Co.Donegal to play Letterkenny in a Qualifying 2 league game but the wet weather of the previous week meant that the pitches in the north west were unplayable so this will have to be rearranged at a later date. There were a few interesting results on Saturday which will have some impact on the league table. Bangor who had been well beaten the week before by the Clare in the former`s first defeat were beaten again this time at home by U.U.C. to make the Students the only unbeaten team in the league perhaps rather surprisingly. Omagh also win and move up into a challenging position at the top of the table with the Clare only a point behind and possibly with a game in hand. Ballyclare 1st XV do not have a game this weekend but are at home to Omagh on Saturday week for yet another vital match. Last Saturday the other club teams all managed to get valuable wins to move into strong positions in their respective leagues.
BALLYCLARE 2nds 21 BANBRIDGE 3rds 0—The Clare 2nds led by Jonny Birkmyre are on a good run at present and had to be strong to take on a lowly Ban side which appeared to be strengthed as their Seconds did not have a game. CLICK HERE FOR ACTION SHOTS FROM GLENO PHOTO The near gale force wind was blowing across the pitch and made kicking difficult but the Clare again had the outstanding Purdy at scrum half and welcomed back Ivor Baine to fly half which meant they always had control at half back.In fact early home pressure resulted in the ever sharp Purdy breaking to nip in for a try which was converted by centre Gillen to lead 7-0 This was followed by a period of pressure from the home pack and flanker Noel Smith surged over to get the second score als converted by Gillen to double the score. The team just missed out on another try when Paul Morrow was held up at the corner and a few penalties could not be kicked due to the powerful wind so it was still 14-0 at the interval.
In the second half Banbridge lost a prop with an injury so scrums became unopposed but to be fair the Co.Down side managed to compete and began to dominate the lineouts . But lock Ian Heaney broke from a ruck and broke clear to get a try which was converted by Gillen to take the Seconds up to 21-0 ahead.Gillen was just wide with a penalty attempt as the home team kept on top.This was the final score and a good win for the Seconds who now have won 4 from their 6 games played so far. In the pack they were well served by Birkmyre,Todd, Smith Heaney and Boyd while behind the scrum Purdy,Baine and Gillen all caught the eye.
BALLYNAHINCH 5ths 14 BALLYCLARE 3rds 27– The Triple T`s–the Thirds are also on a strong challenging run with only one loss to date and were given a real test at times at a windswept Ballymacarm Park.In the first half Tony Turner`s men had wind advantage and fly half Alexander kicked deep for position. An early break led to a try for James Montgomery and Alexander converted to go 7-0 up.They were well in control and it was no surprise when Simon Reid raced clear to get the second try again converted by Alexander to double the lead for the visitors.So it was still 14-0 at half time to the Clare.
The Hinch had the wind on their backs in the second half and soon drove over near the corner for a try that was converted to cut the Thirds lead.But a penalty from Alexander increased the visitors lead to 15-7. Then a counter attack saw Stuart Cusck breaking away on half way and he raced in to get a try near the corner which took the Clare further ahead. Near the end Mark Weatherup got posession just beyond half way and sprinted in to get the final try and Alexander added the points to make the score 27-7. The Hinch did not give up and managed a late score though the ball did not appear toi have been properly grounded so it ended as a 27-14 win to the Thirds. Man of the match was Marcus Hanna and up front he was well supported by Rory Henderson while in the backs there were fine performances from Alexander, Montgomery and Cusack.
CIVIL SERVICE 2nds 10 BALLYCLARE 4ths 47—The Fourths remain unbeaten and seem to have as good as won their league section at Minor level. They were away to Civil Servive and were not relly extended despite missing Lamont and Campbell. They took an early lead when Bruce Logan broke from a ruck on the 22 and went in for thetry which Wasson converted. They led14-0 with a try from scrum half Cavan Watson also converted by John Wasson. Keeping up the pressure the team increased the lead to 21-0 as Harry Gaston surged over for the try. Wasson kicked two penalties as well as the conversion and though Service managed a penalty it was 27-3 at half time to the visitors.
In the second half the Fourths slackened off and this allowed the home side to get a converted try but shortly afterwards Gaston got his second try with Wasson converting. Further scores from Trevor Clarke and Jonny Barnett plus a penalty from Wasson took the final score to 47-10 and the team`s tenth win from ten starts. There were good performances by Stephen Reid having his first outing in eighteen months, Stu Barnett at out half,Trevor Clarke and Gareth Smith. The biggest test for the team will be the McCambley Cup tie with Armoy on Saturday week.
SATURDAYS FIXTURES–1st XV have no game scheduled; 2nd XV v Coleraine 2nds (away); 3rd XV v Coleraine 3rds (home); 4thXV v Malone 5ths (home); Under 19 XV v Coleraine (away)
