After a long break from rugby, the Maxol-sponsored Carrick 1st XV started 2011 with a 22-3 away win against Belfast High School Former Pupils. In far from ideal conditions, and with the lack of match practice evident on both sides, Carrick could not convert dominance in both territory and possession in the first half into scores. Ironically, it was when the home side looked like they were getting back into the match, that Carrick finally found ways to unlock their defence. With a solid scrum, a dominant line-out, in which Curtis Rea was particularly impressive, and a rampaging display from “man of the match” Andy McKeen at No 8, there was no doubt that Carrick deserved their victory . Some of the difficulties evident in converting pressure into points can be traced to lack of match practice, a greasy ball and a very strong cross-wind.However, indiscipline at times was also a factor.
Carrick dominated territory and possession throughout a scrappy first half but the error count on both sides was high. Matters were not helped by the refereeing of the breakdown at which High School in particular were allowed to push the off-side law to the limit and beyond! The home side were not helped by losing a forward to injury half way through the first half but Carrick could not take advantage and all they had to show for their efforts by half-time was a Kris James penalty put over in the tenth minute.
Early in the second half, the referee finally went to his pocket and sent one of the High School players to the bin for a breakdown infringement. Almost immediately, Carrick took advantage when, with good quality scrummage ball, Aaron McKinney ran a great line to wrong foot the home side’s defence and score under the posts. Kris James added the points. Virtually from the kick-off, Andy McKeen ran in Carrick’s second try from 40 metres out in broken play. This try was not converted but the visitors now led by 15 points to nil. Shortly afterwards, Carrick lost a man to a red card and High School began to exert some pressure of their own. After thirteen minutes of the half they scored their only points from a penalty. They continued to press but just when they looked like they might be rewarded with a try, Carrick out-half Kris James intercepted inside his own 22 and ran in under the posts. He added the points himself. With another Carrick player off because of a yellow card, High School continued to press and only a man and ball tackle by Karl Quinn denied them on one occasion. Carrick held out, however, and emerged winners by 22 points to 3.
This was a needed win by Carrick but they will have to improve their accuracy and their discipline for the sterner League tests ahead.
The Carrick team was:
W. Anderson; D. Crothers, A. McKinney, J. Wady, K. Quinn; K. James, M. Patterson; D. McKeen, R. Higgins, P. Greenaway, S. Currie(Capt), C. Rea, N. Marsden, C. Patterson, A. McKeen.
The Carrick 2nd XV beat Ballyclare II by 24 points to 11 at Woodlawn. Glenn Picken scored two tries while Ricky Moore kicked four penalties and a conversion. “Man of the match” was shared between Ricky Moore and Robbie Williams.
The 4th XV were awarded the points when Academy could not field a team.
The 5th XV won their League and Cup match against Grosvenor IV by 10 points to 3. Craig Brazier scored the only try, with Stephen Martin kicking a penalty and a conversion. “Man of the match” was awarded to Johnny McIlwaine.
The Under 19s led their League play-off game with Ballynahinch for a long period and looked to be on the verge of causing a major upset but they eventually went down by 13 points to 6. Adam Kendell kicked both of Carrick’s penalties.
On Wednesday evening, the Under 17s drew nil all with Bangor. The Under 15s travelled to City Of derry and won by 25 points to 12 to take the League title. This is the first time that a Carrick side has won the Premier League in Youth Rugby.
The Carrick Ladies entertained Longford and lost by 20 points to nil, a big improvement on their last meeting with this side.
This week’s fixtures are:
1st XV -no game
2nd XV vs Portadown III, home
3rd XV vs Holywood II, home
4th XV vs Ballymena V, away
5th XV vs PSNI II, away
Under 19s vs Ards, away in Cup
Youth vs Clogher Valley, away in Cup
Minis vs Randalstown, home
Ladies-no game
