Saturday the 20th October saw a great return to form for the University 2nd XV. After a slow start the boys returned to form as visitors to Ballymena 5’s. After a defeat at the hands of Ballyclare in their previous match, UUC were a determined side. The freshly strengthened side saw great performances from Thomas McGlaughlin, Phil McClean, Adam Jameson, Stuart Whitcroft and others. The boys were back at full strength for the first time in 2 weeks and had a team that wanted to prove a point.
The weather conditions were perfect for playing, however it was the Ballymena lads who scored first from a messy ruck, a hack on and a more than suspect grounding of the ball saw a score for them in the corner, conversion missed. A second try brought the score to 10- 0 to Ballymena.
The first UUC score of the match came from Whitcroft. His first of two, thanks to quick ball along the back line saw a great backline move up towards the Ballymena 22, when the forwards recycled the ball well and flanker Stuart Whitcroft broke through several defenders to crash over the line. The ball was swiftly converted by Jamie Ball to bring the score up to 10- 7. The chase was on!
Ballymena battled back hard, scoring a try soon after but missing the conversion. It was swiftly answered by some fantastic defence and attacking by both forwards and backs leading to by a try by Phil McClean to bring the score to 15- 14 just before half time. This had been a vital turning point in the game, as you could see the intensity of the Uni side step up considerably, and as they increased the pressure in the last 10 minutes of the half you could see Ballymena beginning to waver.
The Fantastic defensive work of the forwards forcing turnovers combined with the magic hands and great running lines of the backs saw a bombardment of trys in the second half. Here the fitness of the younger, more agile University team began to really show. Adam Jameson showed his skill and agility with a dive across the try line 15 minutes into the second half to bring the score up to 15- 22 following a free kick from Jamie Ball.
Ballymena kicked deep into the Uni 22 and a moment of miscommunication saw no one claim the ball and the Ballymena winger took full advantage of the bounce, too dot the ball under the posts, 20-22. However this would be the last time Ballymena would score against the University side.
Stuart Whitcroft increased the lead of the Uni side thanks to some excellent support work from Thomas McGlaughlin and Lee Johnston, and following yet another conversion from Jamie Ball, the score was brought up to 20-29. Another free kick to the Uni side left the game to end on 20- 32, with UUC as the victors.
We saw fantastic work rate from the boys on a day where the younger, fitter and more agile pack brought home the win.
Report by Mark Bell
