2nd XV beat Clare

Monday, 21 December 2009 17:20

Ballyclare 3rds V Academy 2nds

In the cold, wet, wintery conditions, both teams found it hard to get going, failing to create many scoring opportunities, and missing whatever kickable penalties that came their way (Academy on 3 mins and Ballyclare on 32 & 34 mins). Both teams kicked away possession in an attempt to gain territory, and when they did run the ball, the backlines failed to function due to inaccurate passing. Thus they reached halftime with a 0-0 stalemate.

In the second half, with the wind advantage, Academy started to apply pressure, and when the Ballyclare fullback was caught in possession on his own goal line, W.Martin got the score whan Academy forced the turnover, A.Sloan converting (0-7  46 mins).
As Academy raised their game, P.Moffett reacted sharpest, taking a quick lineout in Ballyclare’s 22, gifting A.Sloan a try (0-12,  49 mins).

Academy’s next score came from a delightful inside pass from prop J.Allen (a skill perfected over many seasons playing touch rugby), for P.Ross to run in the score (0-19  55 mins).
Academy attacked again from the kickoff, but this time failed to convert a 3 on 1 opportunity as (once again) the pass went behind the two support players.

Academy’s relentless pressure kept Ballyclare pinned in their own half, and when G.Braiden made a break, second row J.Sherrard was on hand to finish a good team try  (0-24, 68 mins).  This also helped convinced the referee to end the match 10 mins early, much to the delight of  players, spectators and  the observer. (0-24, fulltime) 

Cold, wet, frozen (but happy) observer