Strong start to Towns Cup campaign
Ballymoney remove the shackles to put up a good score
After a few weeks of results going against them, Ballymoney’s 1st XV started to get back on track last week with a good win away at Cooke. This week Strabane visited Kilraughts Road in the Towns Cup.
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As the last remaining chance at silverware this season, Ballymoney put a strong side out to get the campaign under way. The pack was unchanged from last week, but in the backs the absence of Rhys McAuley meant that James Campbell stepped into 9, with Henderson moving to 10, and Kyle McAuley back in the centre. Nathanial Steele came into fullback after some good work recently in the 2s.
An early try for Ben Henderson was a sign of how the match would play out. A strong line out and hands through the back line put him in the corner. James Campbell hit the first of 6 conversions on the day to make it 7-0 after 6 mins.
Ryan Clyde was next on the score sheet, crossing the line on 15 mins, followed by Garvin Bellinghamon 20 mins. Both tries showed good ball retention and continuity. 21-0 at half time, and Strabane had only a missed penalty attempt to show for their first half effort.
With Graham on for David Campbell at half time, it took a further 20 minutes to get the scoreboard moving again. This time it was captain Alex Houston bursting through the middle for 28-0.
Now the home side could sense the game opening up, and Bellingham’s second try a couple of minutes later opened the flood gates. A break from Chris Morrison and offload by Steele put him in for the score.
Steele got on the scoreboard himself after 65 minutes, Hanna feeding Campbell from the scrum, who put the winger away for the try.
And the final score came from Ryan Clyde on 70 minutes, breaking through the channel to go under the posts unopposed.
All in all, this was a comfortable win for Ballymoney, who will be as pleased with keeping the Strabane score to zero as with their own points. And having weathered a tight period on either side of half time, to get the score board moving again shows a positive spirit coming back into the side.
Man of the Match this week was Chris Morrison, who has stepped up well to the first team, and looked lively all day.
Team manager Sam McAllister said afterwards “This was an accomplished display by the Qualifying 1 side against a potential banana skin in this Cup fixture. The Toon worked the ball well with the forwards and backs, and remained patient when playing with ball in hand, in the knowledge that points would follow.”
Next week the 1st XV visit Ballynahinch 2s in a Conference league fixture, and the 2nd XV visit Clogher Valley in the Crawford Cup.
Malone beaten 11-10
On Saturday past, Ballymoney fifth’s, welcomed league leaders Malone to Kilraughts Road. Conditions were cold, with wintery showers further damping an already rain saturated pitch. Fast running rugby was always going to prove difficult. Ballymoney, still hurting from a narrow defeat in the Butler shield away to Portadown, were looking forward to this opportunity, eager to get their season back on track.
The Ballymoney pack showed their intent early on. They fought hard in the loose to win ball with their set piece solid, the front row of John Waide, Wallace Gregg and Nigel McCollum giving their opposite numbers a torrid time. Ricky Miller at No8 had also a good start as the early Ballymoney pressure earned them a penalty. Aidy White slotting over the resulting kick. Ballymoney continued to control the first half. Only some resolute Malone defence kept the home team from adding to their early score. Half time Ballymoney 3 Malone 0
The start of the second half saw Ballymoney again dominate procession. Malone struggling to cope the savage Ballymoney forward play. Davey Calvin at fly half was keeping the Malone backline guessing at where the next attach was coming from. Harry Gaston was awarded the opening try for Ballymoney after some surging mauls by the Ballymoney forwards.
The home team though, thinking the job was done, eased off and let Malone back into the game. After rarely threating the Ballymoney score line, Malone were let in for two soft tries and take a late lead in the game. Again Ballymoney applied the pressure and a penalty late in the game was enough for them to earn the honours, in a tense finish to this keenly contested encounter.
This was with-out doubt, one of the best performances of the season to date for the fifths. Harry Gaston was immense at open-side flanker, constantly thwarting the Malone attack with some thumping tackles. Darren Markey had a solid game at full back, however the man of the match award went to Wallace Gregg, who tirelessly led from the front inspiring all around him.
The fifths now have a week off before they entertain Larne at home in the league on Sat 9th Feb 14. This is an extra special occasion for the fifth’s as ‘club legend’ and team co captain John Waide will make his 700th appearance for Ballymoney. A remarkable achievement. The occasion may see a few guest appearances from from some past team mates, so come along, support and celebrate this special day with John.
