Young and old shine at the Cloughan
A great day of for Ballyclare RFC started early morning, with the mini rugby section hosting their counterparts from Armagh RFC. A fun filled morning was had with several hundred kids enjoying testing their skills against each other. Later in the morning the youth section travelled to play Ballymena RFC in their final league games. Three wins for Ballyclare recorded, with the U14 winning their league. The U18 side finished runners up in their section and qualified for the Ulster League playoffs. Victory for the U16 was the only league defeat inflicted on the Ballymena U16 this season. Well done to all, carry this form into the playoffs and cup competitions.
In the afternoon President Alistair Lindsay welcomed a large travelling support from Omagh RFC for the pre-match reception, kindly sponsored by Jimmy Parkhill and Flo Gas. Moore Kennedy sponsored the match ball. Ian Morrow the man of the match award.
Injuries and unavailability saw two changed sides take the field from the match at Thomas Mellon Playing Fields in October. Ballyclare started brightly, dictating the pace of the game. With 10 mins on the clock, the pack drove Omagh off the ball at a scrum inside the Omagh 22. The ball was recycled and the backs set up an attacking ruck under the Omagh posts. As the forwards surged to the ruck, Ross Scott received a pass off the base and crashed over for the first score of the afternoon. Gareth Byers stroked over the straightforward conversion. 7-0. By the end of the first quarter Omagh had already missed a long range penalty attempt but followed up with another attempt closer to the Clare posts, which was successful. 7-3.
Powerful running and good inter passing saw Ballyclare score again soon after. JJ Baird, rescued a ball close to the right touchline around the Omagh 10m. JJ set off down the line and put in a well weighted inside pass to Stewart Cusick, who powered on towards the Omagh try line. A pass inside again to the supporting Byers saw the full back cross the line and round the posts to touch down, to leave himself another easy conversion. 14-3
Ryan Tweed playing in his more familiar back row position, was having a great afternoon. With Ballyclare again enjoying territory in the Omagh half. Tweed received a pass around the 22 on the right hand side of the pitch. Omagh couldn’t catch him as he raced free to score in the right hand corner. The conversion from wide was missed. 19-3
Omagh got a try at the end of the half, when from a penalty on the Clare 5m they opted for a scrum. The worked the ball back and attacked the narrow blind side and managed to touch down in the corner. The conversion attempt rebounded of the upright and saw the score at 19-8 as the teams turned round.
The important try bonus point came early in the second half. From a scrum close to the Omagh line, Ballyclare won the ball and drove towards the Omagh line. No 8, Rainey controlling the ball effectively at the back of the scrum. As the scrum broke down, Omagh were penalised. David Clarke seized the opportunity, grabbing the ball and taking the penalty quickly. He caught Omagh off guard, and dived across the line to score. Byers again added the extras. 26-8. Ballyclare continued to dominate the game but were unable to advance the score line. Omagh defended well as the clock ticked down but did not threaten the Ballyclare line again.
An effective team performance, which pleased the coaching staff and supporters alike. With only four league games left, similar results will be required if Ballyclare are to realise their objective of a top 4 finish. While many players had a good game, the nod for man of the match went to Ryan Tweed who impressed with his work rate.
The 4th XV travelled on a coach to Donegal to play Inishowen. A close game saw the Ballyclare side win 13-5, and by all accounts a great time was had.
All four Ballyclare senior sides are in action next week. 1’s away to Ards, 2’s home to Bangor 2’s. The 3’s and 4’s travel to play Lisburn 3’s and Lurgan 2’s respectively.
Ballyclare 1st XV (1-15) D Lawther, R Scott, A Boyd, R Boyd, W Logan, R Tweed, G Weatherup, M Rainey, T McGookin, G Clotworthy, JJ Baird, D Clarke, S Cusisk, J Greer, G Byers
Replacements; D Chambers & S Baillie
