Youth Rugby v Coleraine
Ballymena Under 15s continued their excellent start to the season with a well- earned victory over rivals Coleraine. Coleraine came to Eaton Park with high hopes of securing another away win, however the Under 15s had other ideas. Spurred on by captain, Van Loggerenburg the boys were soon deep into the visitors territory. A drive from Lamont saw the ball move to Pattison who brushed aside several tacklers before touching down under the posts. Carey stepped up and slotted the first of his 5 conversions and the 15s were on their way. Coleraine were soon on the back foot and with Ian Mills pulling the strings it was only a matter of time before a flowing back line move saw the ball passed to McGarry who dived to score in the corner. With Ballymena dominating at the breakdown the visitors were deprived of any meaningful ball and another surge from the forwards saw the ball given to O’Loughlin who ran in for another score. The second half brought more punishment for Coleraine with the 15s really piling on the pressure. The backs were now being provided with quick ball from the pack and it was only a matter of time before Luke Mills sprinted clear to score under the posts. The forwards now were eager to get on the score sheet and with the visitors on the back foot three tries in quick succession from Van Loggerenburg, McCormick and Austin saw the result put beyond doubt. With the game heading to its inevitable conclusion it was left to O’Kane to complete the scoring and bring the game to a close. The Under 15s are making progress every week which is based on their strong work ethic. They now look forward to another tough derby next week against Carrickfergus.
Final Score – Ballymena 50 Coleraine 0.
The Under 13s were unlucky to be on the wrong side of a 13 try thriller. With Coleraine fielding a very experienced side the 13s were always going to be up against it, especially as their inside centre McIlhagga was sidelined with a leg injury. Coleraine made full use of their experience to catch the 13s cold running in two converted tries in the first five minutes. It looked as if the boys were going to be on the end of a thrashing. However showing determination and a good degree of skill they worked their way back into the game when Idris took the ball to the line before the impressive Fullerton scooped up a loose ball to crash over for a score. Walker hit the first of six excellent conversions and the boys were back in the game. Coleraine however made the most of their pace and scored a breakaway try to extend their lead. The 13s again dug deep and with Scullion and Morrow working hard in the loose the ball was moved to O’Connor who released O’Rawe for an excellent score. The 13s inexperience again told at the start of the second half when they conceded another try direct from the kick off. Their heads momentarily went down and they conceded another soft score. However the boys dug deep and fought back with Norris making an excellent run before releasing Walker who evaded a tackle before scoring in the corner. The 13s were working hard and an excellent back line move saw Scullion pass to Cormac who sprinted clear to score under the posts. Coleraine were stung into action and a penalty saw them sprint clear to score another try from their own half. The 13s refused to lie down and they scored the last try of the game through inside centre Walker. This was another very good performance from a young inexperienced team who are making progress every week.
Final Score – Ballymena 35 Coleraine 45
