Ballynahinch U15s 7 Carrickfergus RFC U15s 39
Most teams would be pleased to get a win on the road & even more would be ecstatic about beating Ballynahinch by 7 tries to 1 at their home ground but such is the search for a better performance by this Carrick side that the post match celebrations were a bit muted.
In what was a typical early season game which was punctuated by stoppages, niggling injuries & a raft of rolling substitutions by Carrick it was no surprise that the game lacked pattern.
The usual suspects stood up to perform however & a 7 try harvest with one defensive blip was all in all a good day at the office for Carrick boys.
Up front a strong scrum & improved lineout provided a steady stream of first phase ball which unfortunately was not at times used to its full potential, poor choices saw many Carrick players progress full tilt in a blinkered fashion up “mugs alley”.
However when Carrick ran at pace & with purpose to search for supporting players the team began to gel, clearing out at rucks was much better & the control of the ball at the maul became a pleasing feature of the game.
Several aspects of the game provided a good clue to mindset with a fantastic defensive effort on the line when Hinch were given the ball three times on the trot for free attacks.
Similarly a passage of offloading & support play down the left touchline involving six Carrick players was top drawer.
Carrick were well able for anything that Hinch threw at them & finished strongly & well in control.
There were several cameo performances by the ever willing Carrick bench players & mention must be made of Rory Magill & Sam McMurtry who both took up the propping duties after injury & unavailability to others.
Michael Whitall had a debut try & Matthew Best also on debut at fullback slotted in well.
The Carrick coaches although pleased with the score line know that there is tweaking to be done in relation to decision making ,ball retention & continuity but are assured that this group of players have got what it takes to be competing at the sharp end of the season.
Exciting days ahead & with hard work on the training paddock, performances & results will follow.
Carrick scorers – Jake Porter T2 Matthew Fisher T2 John Stewart T2 Michael Whitall T Sam Wallace Cons2
