Ballymoney 3rd Vs CIYMS 3rd Match Report

Ballymoney 3XV got there season off to winning ways on Saturday at the Kilraughts Road with a resounding vicotory over CIYMS. The Ballymoney men, under the leadership of this years captain Gareth Rankin, started the better of the two teams. The first half was a tight error strewn affair at times, but that was to be expected as it was the first competitve game of the year. Although Ballymoney had much of the possession it took the blue men until the 30th minute to break down the CI defence, with Neil Campbell going over for his first try of the season under the sticks, converted by Gavin Thompson. CI however hit back soon after with an unconverted try. The toon led 7-5 at the break. With substituitions having been made at half time the ballymoney men came out with a renewed appetite for the game. And scored a quick converted try from Ryan Miller, converted again by Thompson. The toon men were now on top of their opposition and were playing an open and inclusive brand of rugby. Which was rewarded with a first try for Andrew Duffy on 55 minutes, again Thompson slotted over the extras. But the 3s then went slackened off for a time and allowed CIYMS to come back into the game. Some ball watching at ruck time allowed them to score a second try. William Parkhill secured the points for Ballymoney with a bonus point fourth try on 64 minutes. A well worked move between the forwards and the backs allowed Parkhill to cross the whitewash. Ballymoney came under some more sustained pressure in the last minutes of the game as fatigue started to take hold. But they held on to take all four points with a 26-10 victory. Man of the Match went to Ryan Miller making his first apperance after injury last season. The 3s are home again next week and will face a sterner test against Ballynahinch 6s. Kick off is at 14.30 and all support will be warmly welcomed. Up the Toon.