The December fixture between Ballymena Academy and Campbell College is always a competitive affair and this season’s game at the Galgorm Road proved to be no different.
Ballymena started the game well and enjoyed the better of the territory and possession in the early exchanges. The home team narrowly missed with two penalty attempts and it was Campbell College who opened the scoring after 15 minutes when their dangerous backline executed a rehearsed move that culminated with their winger touching down in the corner. Rob Haldane was successful with the touchline conversion to leave the score reading 7 – 0.
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Ballymena Academy replied five minutes later when several strong driving mauls by their abrasive pack resulted in Michael Gillan touching down in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score remained 7 – 5 to Campbell College.
Shortly before half-time, Campbell College increased their lead when scrum-half Josh Fullerton found a space on the narrow side of an attacking scrum and showed good pace to finish in the corner. Haldane was again successful with the conversion and the half-time whistle sounded with the score reading 14 – 5 to the away team.
Campbell College were awarded a penalty early in the second half which Rob Haldane slotted to increase their lead further to 17 – 5. Ballymena rallied and began to put pressure on the Campbell line with Duncan Maguire eventually powering over for an unconverted try for the home team.
Both teams had several chances to score a crucial third try and the tense final ten minutes were contested deep in the Campbell College 22. The Belfast boys showed excellent commitment in their defensive effort to hold on for a 17 – 10 victory.
Ballymena Academy: Gaston, Rosborough, Magrath, Blackwell, Kosch, Mulholland, Simpson; Gillan, Spence, Kirk, Patterson, Maguire, Fowler, Connolly, McIlroy.
