The Maxol-sponsored Carrick 1st XV wre away to Banbridge II in their first Conference game on Saturday 6 November and lost by 22 points to 13. The match was not originally scheduled for this date and a number of players and coaching staff were not available. This gave several players the opportunity to make their marks and, although struggling in the set pieces,the team finished very strongly and came close to nicking it at the last.Andy McKeen and Willy McClean, on his 1st XV debut, carried well and Daryll Crothers was very effective in both defence and attack.Will Johnston got the only try, with Johnny Sheriff kicking two penalties and a conversion.
Following their defeat of Ophir II by 17 points to 13, the Carrick 3rd XV are now top of Section 5 of the Junior League. For much of the game, they were behind, and were also reduced to fourteen men, but fought back to win. The tries were scored by Brian Alexander and Jamsey Porter while Kris James kicked a penalty and two conversions. “Man of the match” went to Jamsey Porter.
The 4th XV lost heavily to Ards IV, one of the top sides in Minor League rugby, but the 5th XV remain unbeaten after their 66 points to 7 demolition of Randalstown. “Man of the match went to Craig Clarke.
The Under 19 XV beat the previously unbeaten Randalstown by 24 points to 14. The tries were scored by Nathan Greenwood, Andy Armstrong, Ryan McGonigle and Ross Moore. Adam Kendell kicked two conversions. Joint ” men of the match” were Marcus Brush and Andy Armstrong.
The Youth teams travelled to Ballynahinch where all three teams lost, the Under 17s by 50 points to 5, the Under 15s by 34 points to 26 and the Under 13s by 40 points to 5.
The minis etertained Malone with many of the teams recording good results.
On Sunday 31 October, the Carrick Classics took on the Perennials and won a very competitive match by 24 points to 17. More importantly, over £500 was raised towards research into Alzheimers.
Fixtures for Saturday 13 November are:
1st XV vs Ballyclare, away(NOT Friday as originally scheduled)
2nd XV vs Clogher Valley II, away
4th XV vs Shorts, home
5th XV vs Malone IV, away
Under 19 XV vs Rainey OB, home
Under 17s, Under 15s and Under 13s vs Banbridge, home
On Sunday 14 November, the minis are away to Ards with kick-off at 2pm.
