BALLYCLARE SECONDS WIN COMFORTABLY AT CARRICKFERGUS
On Saturday Ballyclare Rugby Club 1st XV did not have a game in Qualifying 2 and as a consequence narrowly lost their place at the top of the table by a point to Bangor who due to a bonus point win over Larne now edge ahead. There were a couple of rather surprising results which may help the Clare cause -unbeaten Enniskillen were held to a draw at Randalstown and Grosvenor also drew away to an improving Limavady team. At Ballyclare the Thirds lost at home to a useful Belfast Harlequins 3rds side but the Seconds had a strong win away to Carrick 2nds in a game that was halted a few minutes early but the Clare boys had played much of t he second half with thirteem following a couple of injuries.
Carrick 2nds 5 Ballyclare 2nds 32 – CLICK HERE for shots
In this Junior 1 game at the Tom Simms Memorial Park a useful Clare Seconds team was in control from early on after a disappointing loss the previous week to Ballymoney 2nds. They did make a bright start and strong driving from the pack resulted in Craig Wallace going in near the corner after only five minutes to lead 5-0. The team was well on top with both backs and forwards making ground. Great play in the loose saw Wallace surging clear to get his second try which was converted by skipper Chris Gillan for a 12-0 lead. The pack kept on top in both set and loose play but unfortunately lost the vital Wallace to a knee injury . However this did not deter the team from making ground and Gillan broke clear to beat the home defence and go over for a try out wide to increase the lead. Following futher pressure after a good break by David Crawford one of the home backs managed to intercept a pass and raced clear to get a score near the corner and cut the deficit to 17-5.
But Ballyclare responded well as Wardrop broke away from a scrum to get another try which Gillan converted to give his team a convincing 24-5 lead at the inteval.
The visitors restarted powerfully and were again dominating play despite being a man down.They then lost Adam Dyer with a knee injury to make matters worse but maintained an attacking style to bring a try from Simon Reid. At this stage exchanges became rather heated and eventually a player from each side was yellow carded. The scoreline was brought to 32-5 when Gillan slotted over a drop goal and unforunately another late fracas brought a slightly early finish to the game . The Seconds have done well to date with 6 wins in the league so far.
Ballyclare 3rds 12 Belfast Harlequins 3rds 31
The Thirds are finding Junior 2 quite a tough league following promotion and Harlequins were just that bit better organised even though the hom e team made a useful start as hooker Tony Turner got over for a fine try not converted.They did have a couple of other chances and Andy Watson was almost clear but at times passes were dropped and they were made to pay when Quins used their pace in the backs to break out on two ocassions to get tries that were converted to lead 14-5 at half time.
The visitors lifted the pace in the second half and were rewarded with a couple of unconverted tries to go into a convincing lead. eventually the Clare side made ground from a penalty and Mark Surgenor was up to get the score which was converted by Andrew Alexander to make it 24-12. However the visitors used their speedy backs to get in for a converted try and go further in front at 31-12. The home team did have a couple of good runs from McAdam and Crothers who were stopped near the line but on the day there were times when the home team gave the ball away too easily and overall the city side deserved the win.
Youth Rugby –On Saturday none of the club`s youth sides were in action but according to Youth Convenor J.J. Baird both the Under 13 and Under 15 teams are leading their respective leagues following successful starts to the season. The Under 19 team did not have a game on saturday but the club is appealing for any young men in this age group from the local area who would be interested in playing . Coaching is available to this age group on Thursday nights with regular fixtures each Saturday. Anyone interested should come to the Cloughan on a Thusday evening or contact the Youth Convenor J.J.Baird (07933481079)
Saturday Fixtures -1st XV v Lisburn (home) -There will be a pre match lunch and anyone wishing to attend should contact President Willie Shaw (07833082823)
2nd XV vLisburn 2nds (away); 3rd XV vMalone 3rds (away)
