Sat 7th Dec, 2:30pm. Kukri Qualifying 1.Ballymoney 20 – 16 C.I.Y.M.S.
Ballymoney snatch a late win
by Andy Borthwick
Irvine’s last gasp try sees off 4th placed CIYMS
Ballymoney were looking to get back on track after last week’s disappointing end to the Junior Cup run, and with top 4 side CIYMS coming to Kilraughts Road, that was always going to be a tough challenge.
The home side kicked off from the clubhouse end, and CI’s quality was immediately to the fore, stringing together several passages of play that culminated in a drop goal to get the scoreboard moving.
Ballymoney worked their way back into a few phases of possession, and won a penalty on 10 mins, that frustratingly hit the post. But the Toon were not to be held out, and Thomas Skelton went in for a try 5 mins later, coming off his wing to score in the opposite corner.
CIYMS fought back with penalties on 30 mins and 33 mins to stretch the least to 5-9, but relaxed in the last minute to allow Campbell another shot at goal, which he converted this time to leave the half time score 8-9.
The second half opened with a yellow card for a CIYMS forward for cynical play on 44 mins. 5 minutes later two more players were in the bin, one from each side, for an off the ball incident.
Ballymoney tried to use the extra space, but two missed penalties was all they had to show for that period. With both sides back to full strength, CIYMS regained the impetus with a kick and chase, converted to leave it 8-16 with 25 minutes to go.
Knowing that they were two scores behind, Ballymoney made a few changes- Blair on for Kyle, and Graham for Clyde in the pack. Out wide, Campbell went to scrum-half, Henderson stepped into fly-half, and Cleland moved out to the centre to try and create some momentum.
With 5 mins on the clock, the pressure finally told on the CIYMS pack; a Toon 10m attacking lineout was mauled over the line by the pack, but the conversion was missed to leave it 13-16.
CI restarted with Ballymoney now in full ascendancy. When CI conceded a penalty in the Ballymoney half, it was the chance the Toon were looking for. A tap and go gave Nigel Nevin space to break into the 22. Matty Blair picked and drove for the line, but was stopped just short. But Peter Irvine was on hand from the ruck to wprk around the corner and dive in for the match winning try. Campbell added the extras on the full time whistle for a nervous 20-16 win.
Man of the Match was Sam Kyle, working hard all over the park, and particularly in defence against strong opposition.
That result leaves Ballymoney level with CIYMS on 26 points, tied for fourth place, but having played a game more. This marks the halfway point in the season, with coaches Beddow and Taggart still ruing the two losses in the first two weeks.
Next week only the 5th XV are in action, away to Bangor again, looking to avenge this week’s defeat in the McCambley Cup. Then the second half of the season kicks off with league leaders Clogher Valley making the trip north to Kilraughts Road on the 21st, and the short trip to Coleraine on the 28th.
