1stXV beat Letterkenny
Letterkenny 1XV 0 v 22 Ballymoney
Ballymoney travelled to Letterkenny on Friday night to play their final friendly of the season and in a competitive fixture, they beat Letterkenny 22-0. On a new pitch and with excellent weather it was the perfect conditions for running rugby. The match started at a high pace with Ballymoney moving the ball well and limiting the Letterkenny team to little precession. Letterkenny had a number of experienced players and they helped add to the structure of the game but could not break down the resolute Ballymoney defence.
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The pressure soon told as from an excellent break in the centre by Captain Cleland he passed to James Campbell who was tackled 10 metres from the line. A quick ruck resulted in scrum half Nelson passing to Hanna who burst the line. Another charge by second row Platt created space for his fellow second row Campbell to crash over to score between the posts. The conversion was added to leave the score 7-0. Ballymoney continued to pressure but breaks by Waddle, Elliott and Henderson were not able to be converted so there were no more scores to be added at half time.
The second half, Ballymoney made a number of changes and used all of their 22 man squad. However the rain had started which now meant the ball became harder to handle but this did not affect the Ballymoney performance as they continued to move the ball well. They now were dominating in the scrum and in the 45th minute pushed a scrum towards the line but unfortunately No8 John Richmond could not control the greasy ball and knocked on over the line.
Letterkenny although moving the ball well were not able to mount any pressure in the Ballymoney 22 due to the solid defence and good discipline from the toon players. A set move from the backline created space for centre Cleland to draw his man and float a good pass to winger Elliott from him to slide in the corner for his first try for the 1stXV. The conversation was missed but Ballymoney now lead 12-0 with 50minutes played. Ballymoney increased the pace of the game again as their fitness started to come through and pressure on the line resulted in John Richmond coming close for the second time however this time the referee had adjudged him to be held up. From the awarded scrum excellent work from the front row of Blair, Irvine and Houston allowed the wheel to come up on the loose head side and created space for backrow James Bellingham to pick and charge over the line for Ballymoney’s 3rd try. The conversion was missed so the lead was now 17-0 with 10 minutes left.
With light starting to get poor Ballymoney finished off the match with a second try for second row Campbell after some good runs in the back line by Henderson, Nelson and Calvin got the team behind the Letterkenny forwards. Again a quick ruck allowed scrum half Nelson to spin a wide pass out to Hanna who drew his man and a short pop to Campbell on a great line allowed the big second row to out pace the fullback and score the final try in the corner. The referee blew for full time and Ballymoney had a good victory winning away from home for the first time this year 22-0.
Ballymoney 1st XV will be this Saturday 3rd September with the kick off at 2.30pm. All support is welcome as the team will try to get their league campaign off to a winning start.
1stXV Squad: A Houston, S Barklett, P Irvine, M Blair, D Campbell, J Hanna, D Platt, J Bellingham, G Bellingham, J Taggart, D Campbell, M Waddle, S Nevin, S Nelson, B Henderson, D Calvin, J Cleland (C), E Strang, P Elliott, J Campbell, N Nevin,
Highly Successful Ladies Rugby Underway
Ballymoney Ladies after two very successful years in the Ulster Development Squad have entered into the AIL2 league this year which will see them face teams from all over Ireland. To be able to achieve this is determent to the playing squad they have built up over the years of nearly 30 ladies including the development of an U18 section.
Training takes place on a Monday and Wednesday night at 7.30pm and a team development, fun and recruitment day is planned for Saturday 20th August 2011. For more information on the recruitment day, training or forthcoming fixtures contact John Hunter on 07521515833
U13, U15 U17 & U19 Youth Training
Ballymoney youth rugby co-ordinator Gary Mcilwaine has started training for all youth teams on a Tuesday and Thursday night at 6.00pm. Coaches Gary, Ricky Gualt, Chris McIlmoyle and Mark Culbertson have seen over 30 players out over the past two weeks.
Gary asks for all the support from last years players to come out again and bring a friend this year to keep the numbers growing.
To boost the U19 there is a team bonding night on Friday 2nd August at 7.30pm in the club house where there will be an informal team meeting about this years aims and objectives. There is food and drinks plans and if you wish to go or want more details contact Gary.
Alternativley all Youth training information came be found on Ballymoney Youth Face Book!
James Cleland Returns as Captain
James Cleland returns as Captain of Ballymoney 1st XV for 2011 – 2012 after he was Captain of the success Towns Cup Winning side in the 2009 -2010 season. “James joined the club 5 years ago from Dromore and has been a first choice selection in our back line ever since joining. He is a real leader on the pitch but more importantly his attitude to training and the club is excellent. He has great respect from both the young and senior players in the squad. His style and attitude to play fits in with that of the coaching team�, explains Jason Taggart, Head Coach.
“This year I am really excited about how training is going. The number of real quality players at training and the skill levels is one the best I have witnessed. I worked with many of the young players through my time over the past number of years helping to Coach Dalriada 1st XV and I know what they are capable off.
Club Tour
After soon memborable trips to Dubin, Scotland, Westport and Isle of Man, Ballymoney RFC are on the road again. The 1st and 2nd XV squads have arranged a training camp to Letterkenny leaving Ballymoney on Friday 26th August and returning on Sunday 28th August. A match has been planned against Letterkenny 1st XV on the Friday night. All players wishing to go please contact Robert Adams or Alex Houston.
Supports are welcome to attend and anyone wishing to go contact Club President John Campbell
The 3rd, 4th and 5th XV squads have arranged a mini one day tour of their own, aslo to the north west to take part in the City of Derry 15a-side tournament. Players wishing to be available for selection please contact 3rd XV Captain Neal Campbell
