Clogher come out on top at the Cloughan
Ballyclare just lost out on Saturday, in a nine try thriller at the Cloughan. Perennial powerhouse of Qualifying 1, Clogher Valley were the visitors as Ballyclare looked to continue their run of four wins. Coach Mike McKeever was able to call on the returning Niall Lawther at outhalf, Michael Rainey at 8 and Stuart Cusick, in the centre. President Alistair Lindsay and Vice President Robin Byers sponsored the match ball. Willie Shaw sponsored the Ballyclare man of the match award.
Clogher were on the scoreboard in the first few minutes. Ballyclare received the kick off, conceding a penalty at the resulting ruck. Clogher quickly showed their intentions for the match when, passing the opportunity for a relatively easy kick at goal and three points, they kicked to the corner. From the lineout on the 5m line they quickly positioned the ball at the rear of their maul and drove for the line. Ballyclare resisted manfully but couldn’t hold out as the try was scored. With the conversion missed, Clogher took an early 5 nil lead.
Ballyclare soaked up considerable pressure in the first quarter, and then unlocked the Clogher defence by spreading the ball wide. Andrew Butler received the ball on the left wing, around the Clogher 10m line. He powered his way to the line as the Clogher defence couldn’t match his pace. The score was now 5-5. Clogher progressed into the Ballyclare half with purpose, Clare’s centre Cusick was sent to the bin for a high tackle, Clogher attempted a kick at the posts from the penalty and Ballyclare got off the hook as it went wide. They soon however, kicked to the corner from a penalty and their pack mauled their way to the line again. This time the conversion was good, giving the visitors a 12-5 lead. Captain Gary Weatherup had to leave the field with a knee injury towards the end of the half, and Robert Smith kicked a penalty to leave the half time score 8-12.
Captain Weatherup, received treatment at half time and was able to return to the action. Clogher’s game plan continued in the second half when they scored their third try from their very effective driving maul. Ballyclare’s response was immediate when the backline ran at the slow footed Clogher defence. Following a break by Clotworthy the ball was spread left where the experienced Willie Logan knew where to be, collecting the ball on the wing and running in to score. 13-17. Ballyclare went in front for the first time in the game when Robert Smith scored the first of a fine brace. Ballyclare breaching a scrambling Clogher defence, this time on the right wing, where Smith exchanged passes with Rainey and touched down in the corner. The conversion from wide just missed.
Clogher’s powerful pack started to dominate the scrums in the second half. Clogher again kicked to the corner as Ballyclare had no answer to their guile at the maul. Scoring their 4th try of the game by the same means, Clogher went 22-18 in front. Robert Smith got his second and Ballyclare’s 4th try, again joining the line at pace on the right and was able to outrun the defence, rounding the posts for a straightforward conversion, by Clotworthy, as Smith drew his breath. Ballyclare were again in front 25-22 going into the final minutes. Clogher managed to get into the red zone again, their lineout failing this time. From the resulting scrum they shunted the Ballyclare pack and scored the decisive try to win 27-25.
As a disappointed Ballyclare support left the pitch side, reflection on a superb game of rugby took place. Very much a case of ‘beauty and the beast’, where the beast came out on top. Ballyclare had no answer to Clogher’s proven game plan and must learn from it going forward, too many penalties conceded gave Clogher the opportunity to kick to the corners. Ballyclare as an attacking force were breath taking at times, giving the home support the style of rugby they have grown accustomed to at the Cloughan. 2 points were secured, a losing bonus and a try bonus, which leaves Ballyclare 4th in the league. Ballyclare Man of the match was won by Willie Rea. Next week Ballyclare entertain Enniskillen at the Cloughan in a Junior Cup 2nd round match.
Jonty’s 3’s travelled to take on Grosvenor 3’s and came away comprehensive victors.
Ballyclare 1st XV (1-15) W Rea, D Chambers, A Boyd, M Stevenson, W Logan, J Mckinstry, G Weatherup, M Rainey, T McGookin, N Lawther, R Tweed, S Cusick, G Clotworthy, A Butler, R Smith.
Replacements; M Robson, J Reid.
