Bangor too strong for Clare Saturday’s home game against was sponsored by Highgate Auctions. With Bangor as visitors this started the second half of the league campaign, Ballyclare having defeated Bangor on a sunny August day at the seaside, the wintry conditions with snow on the ground at the Cloughan saw a stark difference. Ballyclare had to make changes to the starting line-up, due to injuries. Gareth Byers switching to out-half in place of Robert Smith, and influential captain Robert Boyd also missing. Clarke McCartney filled in in the second row. The experienced Stephen Bailie took the full back position. Ballyclare had an opportunity to take an early lead, however G Byers penalty attempt was just wide. Bangor through a long clearance kick broke into Ballyclare’s 22. The referee adjudged Ballyclare to be off side and awarded Bangor a penalty in front of posts. The penalty was converted to give Bangor a 3-0 lead. Ballyclare competed well in the early stages of the game, but at 25 min Bangor were awarded a kickable penalty and converted to go 6-0 in front. Just before half time Ballyclare got on the score sheet with a well worked try. The pack reset the ruck a number of times before Clarke McCartney drove over to score and bring the half time score to Ballyclare 5 Bangor 6. Ballyclare were competing well at the line out but were being dominated in the scrum. As the second half progressed a number of injuries combined with Bangor’s increased intensity saw Ballyclare concede 5 unanswered tries and slip to a heavy 33-5 defeat. Other results in the league allowed Ballyclare to remain in fourth place. Ballyclare (15-9; 1-8) S Bailie, T Wilson, D Crawford, D Clarke, M Kirk, G Byers, C Morrow; D Lawther, A Wylie, A Boyd, C McCartney, G McKinstry, D Chambers, G Weatherup, W Logan. Replacements; J Brownlee, J McKinstry Ballyclare have little time for injuries to heal as next week the Town’s Cup competition starts with Ballyclare away to Carrickfergus. All 4 Ballyclare teams return to cup action next week, with the 2nd XV playing the Coleraine counterparts on Friday night under lights at home in Crawford Cup 2nd round. On Saturday the 3rd XV play Newry 2’s and the 4th XV take on Grosvenor 3rd XV, both games at home. The 4’s had another good victory in the league on Saturday, beating UUC 2’s 27-0 and will be looking to take this form into the cup competition.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:47:07 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015