Ballyclare 1st XV recorded another bonus point win in Kukri Qualifying 2 at the Glynn against a gutsy Larne team 27-5 to maintain the status quo at the top of the table as U.U.C. still lead by four points from the Clare followed by Omagh one further point back but the Students have played one game more than the other two clubs.The Clare were missing four key regulars and despite having a fair amount of posession were unable to rack up the usual large number of tries. Larne had advantage of a strong wind in the first half but an early kick ahead by Russell was followed up by Carruthers on the Clare right and he went in for atry which Collie Morrow could not convert into the near gale force wind. After Weatherup cleared up from a Larne advance Logan made ground but Russell lost posession. However the home team was adjudged off side at the ruck and Morrow was just short into the wind with an ambitious penalty attempt.The same player then made ground and the visiting forwards drove to the home line. Again Morrow made a sniping run to put Baird away to go over for the second try not converted but it put Ballyclare 10-0 ahead. From another kick ahead by Russell, skipper Logan ploughed upfield and from the ensuing set scrum , Collie morrow powered his way over at the corner to get the third unconverted try to lead 15-0 at half time.
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Larne made a better start in the second half but soon lost a forward to the sin bin following a series of penalties.Ballyclare failed to make better use of their numerical advantage and an error in attack prevented them from scoring another try. Three more times the home side was penalised as Ballyclare pressed deep inside the home 22 but stout Larne defence kept the Clare men out and then Larne lost a prop injured so scrums became unopposed. The Forwards once more surged deep into the hone 22 and this time prop Boyd went over to get the vital fourth try which was converted by Morrow to lead 22-0.Further pressure by the visitors pack resulted in Logan driving over for atry after a short penalty not converted and a lead of 27-0. When Larne had their forward back from the bin they showed more resolve and surged down into the Clare 22 for the first time in the half. They worked hard through their pack after a couple of short penalties and ware rewarded with a try out wide from their flank forward. The Clare had Crothers off in the closing minutes but held out for what was a win in a rather scrappy performance to stay in the hunt with the other two contestants. But the scrums were not so dominant as in past weeks and the threat from midfield was less profitable with a rather high error count albeit in poor conditions.
RESULTS–Ballyclare 2nds 8 Clogher Valley 2nds 5
Ballyclare 3rds 17 Limavady 2nds 3
McCambley Cup Q/F 4th XV v Cookstown postponed –probably to be played this weekend.
Article compiled & submitted by Ballyclare RFC
