The Maxol-sponsored Carrick 1st XV lost by 43 points to 3 away to so far unbeaten Donaghadee on Saturday 31 January. As in their other heavy defeat, by CIYMS earlier in the season, Carrick did not play that badly; they simply made a number of crucial defensive errors, which their opponents ruthlessly punished, and could not convert possession and field position into points. Carrick were 17 points to nil down iside fifteen minutes, with two of the three Donaghadee tries coming as a result of poor tackling. From then until half-time, Carrick had more possession, and dominated the territorial battle, but could not get over the home side’s line. All they had to show for their efforts was a Kris James penalty after twenty-two minutes. Almost immediately after that success another defensive lapse let Donaghadee in for their fourth try anf they reached half-time leading by 24 points to 3.
Carrick continued to work hard in the second half, despite being under terrible pressure in the scrum from the big Donaghadee pack, and it was not until the end of the third quarter that the home side got their fifth try. In the final ten minutes, they ran in two further tries to give themselves a perhaps flattering margin of victory.
This is young Carrick side, and they have lost a number of experienced leaders since last season; it will take time for their undoubted talents to produce results. The Carrick team against Donaghadee was:
D. Kirkpatrick; C. Jordan, J. Wady, A. McKinney. B. Alexander; K. James, M. Patterson; D. McKeen, R. Higgins, P. Greenaway, S. Currie(Capt), C. Ferris, N. Marsden, C. Patterson, A. McKeen.
The Carrick 2nd XV also lost, by 36 points to 31 against Grosvenor II in the Crawford Cup. The Carrick tries came from Glen Picken, who got two, Robbie Williams and Darren Wady. Ricky Moore converted all four as well as putting over a penalty.
The 3rd XV beat Grosvenor III by 24 points to 17. The tries came from Chris Rogers, with a hat-trick, and David Moore. Captain David Ferris kicked two conversions. “Man of the match” was shared by Chris Rogers and Willy Coulter who was playing his first match for nearly ten years!
The 4th XV lost by 48 points to 7 to Malone V in the Butler Shield. However, the 5th XV defeated Cavan II by 29 points to 7 in the third round of the McCamley Cup. The Carrick tries came from Gareth Clarke, who got two, Craig Clarke and Danny Thomas. Karl Wilkinson, on his return to action, kicked three conversions and a penalty. Ashley Bowen was named “man of the match”
The Under 19s travelled to Ards in their first round robin Cup match, winning by 10 points to 7. Marcus Brush scored Carrick’s try, with Adam Kendell converting and putting over a penalty.
The Under 15s hosted Corinthians from Galway, losing by 24 points to 10. The Under 13s hosted a “blitz” tournament, defeating both Ballymena and Lurgan.
On Sunday, Carrick Ladies defeated Queen’s by 15 points to nil.
This week’s fixtures are:
Friday 4 February-
2nd XV vs Instonians III, KO 19.30
Saturday 5 February-
1st XV vs Dungannon II, Towns’ Cup, home, KO 13.00
3rd XV vs Cooke III, away, Forster Cup, KO 14.30
4th XV vs Ballyclare IV, away, KO 13.00
5th XV vs Malone IV, home, KO time to be confirmed
Under 19s vs Letterkenny, Cup, home, KO time to be confirmed
Under 15s vs Donegal,Cup, home
Under 13s vs Donegal, Cup, home
Minis- Ards, home
