Saturday 14th Jan saw the fourths commence their Forester Cup campaign with a hard fought victory over City of Derry threes at Kilraughts Road.
Ballymoney Fourths 11 V’s City of Derry Thirds 3
The opening period of the first half saw the Ballymoney side take the game to their opponents. City of Derry defended hard as the Ballymoney commenced the match with intensity and commitment. City of Derry had no answer to the early pace this Ballymoney side was setting. The home side’s early pressure paid off on fifteen minutes after a number of phases of procession the Ballymoney back row forward Johnny Blewster crossed the line to touch down for the opening score of the game. City of Derry struck back with a penalty after a Ballymoney infringement, however Ballymoney restored the five point margin with another Ryan Moore penalty ten minutes before the half time break. Keith Rankin was securing good line out ball, fustrating this City of Derry side who had boasted a player 7ft tall in their forward ranks.
It was City of Derry who started the second half stronger. They upped the tempo and were competing hard at the breakdown to try and get fast ball to unleash their dangerous looking back line. Ballymoney countered this with hard defensive tackling and were awarded another penalty after a Ciy of Derry player was caught off side. Ryan Moore slotted the kick over. The back row forwards of Johnny Stewart, Johnny Blewster and Ricky Millar were scrapping for everything on the deck. Ricky Millar setting the bench mark with some thumping tackles as Ballymoney sought to squash the Derry fight back. Ballymoney were reduced to fourteen men halfway through the second half when Stephen Glass courageously threw his body into the path of a certain Derry try move, resulting in himself being stretchered off the pitch and taken no further part in the game. The final whistle sounded to the cheers from the home support. City of Derry who play in a league, two divisions above their Ballymoney opponents had to settle for second best after this courageous ‘Toon’ performance. Ballymoney now can look forward to the second round draw and hopefully a run in the cup to compliment their league form.
This was another solid performance from the fours. Sean McMahon had a good defensive game in the backs and looked threatening when he got the ball. The Ballymoney pack also worked tirelessly to gain the upper hand on their opponents. Special mention and man of the match must go to Nigel McCollum. The tight head front row led by example with a solid performance in the set piece and some great carries and defensive work in the loose. Hugh McCluggage, club stalwart commented after the game. ‘a great match to watch, both sides gave everything. Good to see the die hard spirit of the fours remains. Some great displays throughout the team’.
The fourths return to league action next week with a match at home to Randelstown seconds, kick of 2.30pm.
