The Maxol sponsored 1st XV travelled to Randalstown on Saturday and would have been hoping to continue their form from the previous couple of weeks, having won 2 of their last 3 matches. The league table, however, wmay have suggested a different outcome with Randalstown sitting 3rd and still sitting in the bottom half of the table.
In what could only being described as a cold and windy day at Neilsbrook, the game began in a scrappy manner with both teams giving away possession during early passages of play. However as Carrick got to grips with the underfoot conditions they started to raise their performance levels. A line-out 10 metres out which was caught by C.Rea and driven well towards the whitewash and N.Hanna scored the resulting try. The conversion was unconverted by L.Whittal.
This seemed to be only the beginning for Carrick as throughout the game they created numerous opportunities and with better hands or a little more patience could have easily opened up more scoring chances. As time passed Carrick dominance of the scrum was beginning to tell and they start to apply more consistent pressure to their opponents for much of the half.
However, indiscipline at the breakdown in the 23rd minute resulted in a quick tap penalty in which 2 offloads where completed and Randalstown winger coasted underneath the uprights, the conversion was converted. Score 7-5 to the hosts.
Haviong conceded what can only be described as a soft try, Carrick responded well and started to get a bit of momentum again. Good possession and territory allowed them to score 3 penalties in the last 15 minutes of the half to leave the score at the break at 7-14 Carrick
The first 20 minutes of the second could only be described as a dull affair with both teams trading possession throughout this period. However on the 60 minute mark the Carrick team seemed to gain a sense of urgency and good possession and recycling of the ball allowed the Carrick backline to show their capabilities and a try was only halted by a Randalstown player who came in with a dangerous high tackle on Centre Jonny Cullen and subsequently was shown a yellow card by the referee. With a man advantage Carrick took total control and kicked the resulting penalty into touch which again led to a catch and drive by the forwards in which open side flanker Ross Crymble dived over the whitewash – the conversion was good. Score 21-7 to the visitors.
With Carrick in the ascendancy, they decided to spread the ball further and after great recycling the ball was passed throughout the backline and number 8 Curtis Rea cut a great line and scored in what was a superb team try. The conversion was missed – Score 26-7 to Carrick.
As time was ticking by and the bonus point victory was looming, Carrick went out to grab the 5 points in great style as they continued to stretch the Randalstown side and the Bonus point try came with Aaron McKinney scoring in the corner after some great interchanges. The conversion was converted by Whittal.
Final score was 33-7. This was a great display by the Carrick side and one in which coach Warren McClean could be proud of, with some great rugby played throughout and is something in which they can build on for a return to Tom Simms Memorial Park next weekend vs Lisburn.
Team was as follows:
(15-9) – A.McKinney, J.Wady, J.Cullen, J.Sheriff, B.Alexander, L.Whittal, M.Patterson
(1-8) – A.Gibney, N.Hanna, R.Williams, A.Kincaid (capt), C.Rodgers, C.Ferris, R.Crymble, C.Rea
Other results
4th XV beat Belfast Harlequins 36-7.
Under 17s progress to the quarter-final with a brilliant 59-7 victory against Letterkenny
Under 13 lost 29-15 in their cup quarter final against Monaghan
