Ballyclare 2’s progress in the cup
After being postponed two weeks in a row, due to the recent inclement weather Ballyclare 2nd XV finally played their first round Crawford Cup match against Omagh 2’s. The venue was switched to the Cloughan as Omagh had been unable to host the game twice due to unplayable pitches. It was touch and go as to whether the game could take place in Ballyclare, the historic meeting between Ballyclare 3’s and 4’s falling foul of the weather. The referee decreed the Lindsay pitch unplayable, but following an inspection of the Coulter Pitch, it was deemed playable.
Being the only game being played the game attracted a good throng of supporters who were entertained to the end.
Ballyclare started the game brightly, enjoying plenty of possession in the Omagh half. After 15 mins and a series of rucks progressing towards the Omagh line, flanker Matthew Robson broke off the side of ruck with the ball to touch down just left of the posts. Andy Watson had kicking responsibility for the day and slotted the conversion.
The score spurred Omagh into life. From the restart the enjoyed a period of territory and possession but Ballyclare defended well and countered effectively. The ball was worked into the Omagh half again with great work from the Ballyclare pack, Captain Chris Coburn inspiring the team with some strong running. Omagh were forced to concede a penalty just outside the 22, Andy Watson again converting to give the Cloughan men a 10-0 lead. Stephen Bailie was stopped just short of the Omagh line towards the end of the half following a swift attack started by Thomas McGookin, playing at out half. Tommy slipped a tackle and broke the Omagh defence. Supported by David Tweed, who carried at “pace”. Passing to Bailie who was caught by a scrambling Omagh defence just short of the line. Unfortunately the ball was knocked on at the breakdown giving Omagh the scrum and a chance to clear the danger. Ballyclare kept Omagh camped in their own half and were rewarded when Omagh conceded a penalty in front of their posts around the 10m line. Watson was again on target, giving Ballyclare a deserved 13-0 lead at half time.
Early in the second half the Ballyclare lead was increased. Michael Kirk received the ball in his own half and spotting the gap, sprinted into the Omagh half. Closing in on the Omagh try line he was stopped by the Omagh full back. Kirk slipped the ball to wing James Greer, who was in support on his shoulder. Greer continued the attack and scored between the posts. Watson converted the try, giving Ballyclare a 20-0 lead. Ballyclare were well on top, the whole team performing well. Neill, Stevenson, McKinstry and Robson all working hard in the pack. The pace and power of Baird, Bailie, Kirk and Greer telling in the backs.
A combination of Ballyclare complacency and Omagh determination set up a nervy last quarter. Omagh continued to attack the Ballyclare line and got a try following a driving maul. The conversion was missed from wide left. Another try for Omagh, against the run of play spurred a late Omagh attempted comeback. Following another Coburn driving run into the Omagh half, the ball was turned over. A hacked kick down field led to a foot race which the Omagh centre won, touching down between the posts. Conversion added, the score was now 20-12. Ballyclare soaked up some Omagh pressure through a series of pick and go’s round the fringes of rucks. A miss placed pass as the ball was released out the Ballyclare backs allowed Omagh to steal another try in the dying minutes. A hastily attempted drop kick conversion was missed. 20-17. Omagh frantically tried to force another score but the time ran out as the final whistle sounded. A good team performance that will hopefully reinvigorate the 2’s league campaign. Next round of the cup is 2nd January, with an away fixture against Banbridge 3rd XV.
The 2nd XV have a festive derby game at the Cloughan next week. Larne 2nd XV are the visitors. The 1st XV travel to Ballynahinch to play their 2nd XV in a Conference league fixture. The 3’s make the short journey to Carrickfergus for a match against their 3’s
Ballyclare 2’s 1-15; W Rea, R Scott, D Tweed, M Stevenson, A Neill, J McKinstry, M Robson, C Coburn, A Watson, T McGookin, A Ottey, JJ Baird, M Kirk, J Greer, S Bailie.
Replacements; N Kirk, J Poole, D Crawford
