There were wins for the 4th XV (33-10) at home to Monaghan 2’s and for the U19 who beat Coleraine U19.
Ballymoney 1st were knocked out of the Junior Cup with a 7-3 defeat at home to Portadown.
The 3rd XV were beat away to Queens 3’s 41-22 and the 5th XV although they had a solid performance couldnt match last weeks win and lost norrowly 24 – 21 to Donegal Town.
The youth section travelled to Lurgan and had mixed fortunes with defeats for the U13 and U17 but a 33-26 win for the U15 capped a good day.
Pictured is Ewan Strang receiving his Man of the Match Award from sponsor Indigo Jewellery, Ballycastle and Club President John Campbell
REPORT: Mighty 4th XV March On!
Ballymoney Fourths 33 V 10 Monaghan Town Seconds
On Saturday past, Ballymoney Fourths entertained Monaghan Town seconds in an eagerly anticipated league match at Kilraughts Road. Monaghan seeking to make it four wins in a row and Ballymoney, currently sitting top of the league, keen to maintain their unbeaten run. It was a mild and dry afternoon, perfect conditions for fast, flowing rugby.
The early exchanges saw a fierce battle up front. Ballymoney seemed to edge this battle of the early procession and territory. With five minutes played and after a number of good phases of procession Nick Armstrong created an overlap in the back line and released debut winger Sean McMahon who raced clear for his first score in Ballymoney colours. Chris McIlmoyle added the conversion.
Johnny Stewart was really starting to blossom in this team in what is a changed, but his now preferred position of open side flanker. The commitment and determination was evident as his aggressive style of play was continually breaking the Monaghan defence. Out half Benji was also creating havoc in the Monaghan defence with on occasions it taking up to three defenders to bring him down. It was one Benji’s bursts deep into the Monaghan half that brought about Ballymoney’s second try. The Monaghan defenders eventually dragged Benji down when off loaded a beautifully pass to John Waide. The front row forward, who was showing tremendous energy collected the off load and sprinted in under the posts from about 30 metres out. The home side’s pressure continued and another try was added by Benji as the youthful Monaghan side had no answer to the Ballymoney aggressive play. The first half ended on a sour note after Ballymoney scrum half nick Armstrong was stretchered off with an injury. The team wish Nick a speedy recovery.
The game restarted with a similar pattern as the first had ended. Monaghan, grew in confidence with the extra man, as they upped the pace of the game. Ballymoney were up to the challenge though as when they won procession, the gain line was repeatedly crossed only to be thwarted by excellent Monaghan defence. Ballymoney extended their lead mid way through the second half with another good score after some excellent build up play again by the forwards and converted by Chris McIlmoyle. Both sides scored converted ties late in the second half. Chris McIlmoyle for Ballymoney and a late consolation for Monaghan when their fullback intercepted a pass in closing five minutes, with the game already won, Ballymoney were probably guilty of taking their foot off the pedal.
Captain Aidy White commented afterwards. It was a great game. The mighty fours never say die spirit was there for all to see. Sean McMahan had a solid debut on the wing and looked very dangerous in attack. Number one to fifteen all played their part, it is a pleasure to Captain this team.
The mighty fours now look forward to next weeks league match, again at home to CIYMS, kick off 2.30pm
