THE 3rd of THE MARK!!

THE 3rd of THE MARK!!
On a lovely autumn day Ballymoney 3rd XV entertained a Ballyclare a team sitting middle table with us looking for our first win of the season. In a much changed side, the team felt confident that they could finally get over the white wash and win. The performances over the last number of weeks have improved but often just falling short, losing to city of Derry on the last play of the game one of the highlights of the season so far.

The Toon started brightly and right from the kick off put Ballyclare under pressure, turning the ball over straight from the kick off. Unfortunately some early nerves lead to a few forced passes with the line at our mercy allowing Ballyclare to clear their lines. Despite some knock on’s the Toon pack kept applying the pressure and took one of several against the head allowing the new half back pairing of Jamesy and Jamesy to control the game.

The 1st try of the games came from a strike against the head allowing Jamesy to sit in the pocket and kick for the corner. A great chase from the centre Luke, out striping the cover to score in the corner, converted by Jamesy. 7 nil to Ballymoney. Not wanting to let up the Toon went straight back on the attack and after some sustained pressure from both the backs and forwards Jamesy slipped several tackles to score the 2nd try and converted to make the score 14 nil. The third try of the half was scored by the captain from the huge distance of 5 yards. After several pick and drives the captain spotted the gap picking and scoring below the posts. By the time the Ireland game had finished the story was at least from the 22. The try was easily converted by Jamesy to leave the score at half time 21 nil.

The half time team talk from the captain and team manager was more of the same.

However despite the final score the Toon failed to get out of second gear for the rest of the game happy to soak up the pressure.
Half time saw the introduction of Garvin Bellingham for Alan Black and Alfie Clyde for James Pollock. Both players having good games, Alan having his best game of season but both changes where planned before the game to allow the chance to see other combinations. The second half started with Ballymoney on the defensive and from a resulting lineout the Toon lost their captain for a short spell, leaving the pitch to get treatment for a broken nose. Not his first! James Pollock now packing down at 8 as cover. The second half was very much start stop with the referee happy to reset scrum after scrum. Ballymoney for most of the second half were happy to soak up the pressure from Ballyclare allowing them time on the ball but stopping them playing at will. Whenever the Toon upped the pressure and pace they carved up Ballyclare at will. The 4th try came from a turn over ball inside the Ballyclare half and after some quick hands released Luke to brush past some wannabe tacklers to score this second in the corner, the convention was missed. Shortly after scoring Luke was rested and was replaced by Justin making his second appearance from the bench in consecutive weeks. A reward for his continued improvement on the training park and pitch. Justin did everything asked of him in the final 20 minutes fielding several deep kicks and making some important tackles. Older brother Dean also commented on how well Justin is stepping up.

The final score of the game came from fullback Russell Irwin. Again the Toon had been happy to soak up everything Ballyclare had to offer and with the game coming to a close upped the intensity and after several phases released the ever busy Russell to race clear and score, unfortunately the conversion was missed leaving the score 31 nil.

A very happy captain praised the whole side for a great performance, a few scores left on the park but a 31 nil result, a great day at the office. The final result moved the Toon of the bottom of the league and up three places. With Carrickfergus away next week a good training session on Wednesday is a must followed by more of the same.

Man of the match was the busy winger Andy McNaugher with special mention for Russell Irwin, Dean Talbot and Gareth McCrea.