Ballyclare show composure and win at Hinch.
Saturday saw Ballyclare RFC travel to Ballymacarn Park, Ballynahinch, for the first of their Conference League fixtures, against the All Ireland Division 1 clubs, 2nd XV.
With no replacement players allowed in this competition Ballyclare travelled with a strong 15. Bobby Smith starting at out half for the injured Niall Lawther. Andrew Butler deputised for Smith in the full back berth. The customary wind on the hill blew strongly towards the clubhouse.
With the wind, Ballyclare struck an early lead, as Hinch infringed at the breakdown following kick off. Smith on target with the boot to go 3-0 up. Hinch hit back immediately with a try at the other end. The game was no more than 3 minutes old. The conversion from wide into the strong wind went wide. From a scrum on the 22m, the ball went out the Ballyclare backs. Andrew Butler hit a great line and sped away from the Hinch defence to score to the right of the posts. Smith added the conversion. Another penalty by Smith increased the Ballyclare lead to 13-5.
The Ballynahinch side looked dangerous with the ball in hand and passed the ball fluently in attack. Hinch reduced their deficit, when from a scrum just outside Ballyclare’s 22, their centre cut through the Clare defence and ran in unopposed to bring the score back to 10-13. The wind again playing its part in keeping the conversion kick out.
Ballyclare were performing well, the front row of Lawther, Chambers and Boyd working their counterparts hard in the scrums and all making yards when carrying. Robert Boyd and Willie Logan made hard yards for Ballyclare, Jordan Mckinstry showed well in attack and defence. Paul Robinson had an excellent game at open side, involved in everything and stealing ball from Hinch on many occasions. Lineouts operated well with Boyd and Adam Neill both taking ball. Following a small fracas a player from each side was presented with a yellow card. Ballyclare continued to try and increase their lead but were held out. At the half time whistle, with the prospect of playing into the strong wind, it was wondered if a three point lead would be enough.
Hinch drew level soon after kick off, hitting a long range penalty. Following a stoppage for an injury to a Ballynahinch player, who had to leave the field, Hinch hit another wind assisted penalty to go 16-10 up. Worryingly, Hinch went further ahead, when following a speculative kick ahead, the bounce of the ball beat the Ballyclare full back allowing the Ballynahinch winger to gather the ball and run in below the posts for a try. With the straight forward conversion added Ballyclare were now 23-13 down.
Showing great resolve Ballyclare never gave up and were rewarded when following a scrum, centre field, just outside the Hinch 22, Willie Logan powered off the base of the scrum and made ground. The ball ended up in Paul Robinsons hands, he evaded a couple of tackles and ran in under the posts to score. Smith added the conversion bringing the score back to 23-20. By now rain was coming down heavily, right in Ballyclare’s faces. Forcing a turnover at a breakdown, Ballyclare attacked the blind side towards the right touchline. Gary Clotworthy broke down the wing at pace, drew the covering Hinch player and passed inside to the supporting Smith who ran in unopposed to score under the posts. Smith converted again to put Ballyclare into a 27-23 lead. Ballyclare controlled the final few minutes, ensuring victory.
An entertaining encounter with some excellent tries scored by both sides. Bobby Smith orchestrated play effectively at 10. Powerful centres Clotworthy and Clarke caused Hinch problems all afternoon. A great team performance, and a useful workout.
Ballyclare continue their Conference League commitments when on Boxing Day, Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV visit the Cloughan. A Towns Cup first round fixture away to Ballymena 2nd XV awaits on Jan 2nd.
Ballyclare 2’s and 3’s had festive derbys against Larne 2’s and Carrickfergus 3’s respectively. At the Cloughan the 2nd XV ran out 19-0 winners, with 2 tries from Ross Scott and one from Michael Kirk. The 3’s went down 38-0 away to a useful Carrickfergus side.
A family game of touch has been organised for Boxing Day, no better way to blow the Christmas cobwebs away. This fun fixture is for fathers or mothers to play their sons or daughters due to start at 1pm, contact Garth Johnston to take part.
The clubhouse will be open on Boxing Day from 12.30pm
Merry Christmas.
