Ballymoney Fighting Rugby
Dalriada School vs. Ballymoney RFC
Unlucky Under 17s
by Uel McDowell
Good team performance at Dalriada Tournament
On Saturday morning BRFC Youth Under 17s took part in the Dalriada Schools Tournament. The Under 17s were pitched in Group 2 along with Portadown College 1ST XV and Campbell College 1ST XV B Team.
Their opening encounter with Portadown College ended early in the second half following injuries to two Under 17 players-Gary Balmer, prop with a neck injury and Matthew Johnston, Capt and No 8 with a knee injury. The referee stopped the match as a result of these injuries.Both players were taken to hospital.
Up to that point the Under 17s acquitted themselves well to the task of facing a well drilled Portadown College team and during the early exchanges Portadown could not obtain ball possession as the Ballymoney boys won ruck after ruck and ran the ball at every opportunity ijn very wet conditions.
Just before halftime Portadown found a gap in the Ballymoney defence and scored in the corner. This was converted leaving the score at 7-0 at halftime.
The second half began with Portadown pressing forward and some good defensive tackling by the Ballymoney back-line kept them at bay. However, following a loose ruck Portadown scored in the corner but failed with the conversion. From the kickoff the Portadown No 8 made a strong run and it was from a resulting ruck that both Matt Johnston and Gary Balmer received their injuries and the referee called an end to the match at 12-0 to Portadown College.
Both our lads are home, although a bit sore and we wish them a speedy recovery.
Overall the Under 17s played with a great spirit but if they want to reach this level of rugby then they will have to become more fitter, stronger and definitely more aggressive on the pitch as these aspects of their game at this time are lacking.
Players MUST also turn up on time for matches and MUST refrain from smoking prior to games whether on Club or School premises.
