Carrickfergus RFC U15 I XV Lift The ULSTER LEAGUE TITLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carrick U15s Youth side, sponsored by NK Fencing Limited, travelled to Eaton Park, Ballymena to play North Coast Kingpins Coleraine U15s in the final of the Ulster Youth League playoffs. Both teams had only been beaten once each in their respective leagues so a tough, physical encounter was anticipated by both sets of coaching staff.

On a very cold but dry morning, Carrick warmed up in determined fashion and started the game hoping to have the upper hand the forwards confrontations and limiting the supply of quality ball for the dangerous Coleraine backline. The Carrick pack as was hoped dominated the early phases of play with in particular 2nd Row Daniel McBurney , No.8 Jordan Devenney and prop Jordan Robinson all making telling breaks into the opposition 22. An early infringement from Coleriane allowed Carrick outhalf Sam Gorman to kick a fine penalty to make the score 3-0. Carrick continued to press and some very astute tactical box kicking by scrum half Shay McCord kept the pressure mounting on Coleraine. Carrick turned this pressure into points when No:8 Jordan Devenney broke through and scored underneath the posts. The conversion was kicked by Sam Gorman making the score 10-0. Coleraine were in no mood to throw in the towel and only some super defensive tackling by Carrick players and in particular fullback Owen Hunter kept them from opening their account. With 10 minutes remaining in the opening half a poor defensive kick from Carrick allowed the opposition fullback to counter and two missed tackles resulted in a score for Coleraine which went unconverted leaving the score 10-5. This seemed to spur on the Carrick players and after a passage on sustained possession Carrick centre Tyler Arnold crashed over in the corner to score Carrick’s second try. A very difficult conversion was slotted over by Sam Gorman leaving the score 17-5 at halftime.

The second half saw Coleraine dominant both possession of the ball and territorial advantage. However this young Carrick side pride themselves on their defensive qualities and led by captain Gareth Hartley they repelled wave after wave of Coleraine attacks. One outstanding try saving tackle by scrum half Shay McCord optimised the commitment being displayed by all of the Carrick players. Carrick themselves had further opportunities to score but to Coleraine’s credit, they too defended superbly. The stalemate continued throughout the whole second half with neither side able to cross the opposition line.

At the final whistle the Carrick players celebrated one and all and to their credit the Coleraine players, supporters and coaching staff were magnanimous in defeat. This was a magnificent advert for Youth rugby in the province played and supported in the fashion that befitted the occasion. Both clubs should be proud of their respective young sides and should now look forward to having successful cup campaigns starting next week.

Final score: Carrick U15s 17 Coleraine U15s 5

The players and coaches would like to thank all those who travelled to Ballymena with the team on Saturday and also to team sponsors, NK Ltd for their continued support throughout the season.

Carrick U15s Squad:
J Robinson, M Justin, S McMurtry, D McBurney,C Dodds, J Mitchell, J Devenney,G Hartley,S McCord, S Gorman, J Gaw, C Hoban, E Sloan, J Bourma, O Hunter,T Arnold, A McGahon,C Gascoigne,J Patterson, A White, K McCleery.

Coaching Staff:
M Kidd, G McCord, D Wady, B McMurtry.