Randalstown’s U17 squad made the short trip to Ballyclare RFC on Saturday in their final warm up game prior to the League campaign commencing in two weeks and returned to Neillsbrook with a 0-12 victory.
Ballyclare’s bulky pack made it difficult for Randalstown in the opening 10 minutes and there was little between the teams except that Randalstown were superior in the breakdown.
When Ballyclare were penalised on their “22” with 11 minutes played, captain and No.8 Shane McBurney broke through the Ballyclare pack and deftly chipped over their back line. Full back Nathan Storer rounded the Ballyclare winger and won the race to touch down for an excellent try to moke the score 0-5.
Ballyclare rallied and for the next ten minute were camped on the Randalstown line. Only determined defence prevented a score before the pressure was relieved when scrum half Jamie Barron cleared the ball up to the halfway line.
Randalstown then scored when a forward breakout started by Andrew Burns released Storer for his second try which he again touched down in the corner. Barron’s conversion from the touchline was successful to make the half time score 0-12.
13 Picture Slideshow Of Randalstown V Ballyclare U17s In Action – CLICK HERE –
The second half was very scrappy with both sets of forwards being repeatedly penalised by the referee. The best scoring chance of the half was instigated by Randalstown out half Brian Mulholland who released wing Gareth Ewart but he was stopped just short of the line.
Having won their first two games is encouraging but much work must be done on the training ground to eliminate the penalty count which in the second half was unacceptable and led to frustration from both sets of players.
Cillian McGlade having moved from the wing to second row gave 100% and used his speed and physicality to his advantage in the loose. The scrums were under pressure due to the bulk of the opposition although when possession was won the Randalstwon back line threatened every time it got the ball, backed up by their physical and mobile back row where Shane McBurney was named man of the match.
