Ballymoney 2XV put on impressive performance at home to City of Derry 2XV

On a cold and misty day at Kilraughts Road, Ballmyoney welcomed City of Derry to start the second half of the season. Having won narrowly in the opening fixture, the home side were looking to improve on that result.

With a strong pack getting on top early, and a good kick chase whether through Linton, Watson, or Gilkinson, the first half was dominated in possession, territory, and scores by Ballymoney.

The first try came from Gilkinson after a dominant scrum and maul allowed the backs so front foot ball to crash over. With Derry missing a shot at goal, the next try came shortly afterwards.

Chris Watson and Peter Dunlop were working out their centre partnership with good carrying and offloads to get in behind the defence. Neal Mulholland then took the ball back on the blind side, and with a flat line of forwards outnumbering the defense, opted for the rather surprising kick-pass from the number 8 to hooker Dave Watson in the wide channel, who collected and scored untouched.

Chris Watson was not to be outdone by his brother, and got the next two tries on the board, both with strong running into the defenders, and his footwork and determination got him over the line. He would go on to collect 20 points in the match, with the two tries and five conversions.

With a scrappy period either side of half time, subs Bellingham, Munnis, and Donnelly offered their services to rotate the pack.

With a little bit of disruption Derry were able to create some momentum and get off the mark - from a sequence of possession inside the 22 they found space on the right to get over the line in the corner.

But as the forwards re-established their dominance, it was the home side's backs who were next on the scoresheet. First fullback Gilkinson collected a clearance and bounced off the first defender to find space to his right. Support came through Watson, engaging three defenders and releasing Dunlop, who expertly drew the last man and put Mark McNeil in for an excellent try in the corner.

As the game wound down, Jordan Munnis got his name on the scoresheet with a short range power drive. Then the scoring was wrapped up with Jack Murdoch collecting after a great break from Currie, supported by Mulholland, who attacked the last man and found Murdoch in support to run in the try.

Co-captains Mulholland and Linton were delighted after the game, especially with being able to work through a tough period around half time and put some excellent sequences of rugby together and run up a decent score against a good opposition.

The Holestone Player of the Match award went to Jason Clyde - having taken a knock then getting strapped up and covering hooker and throwing in, he put himself about admirably and summed up Ballymoney's forward pack display.

Next fixture is away at Queen's University 3rd XV on the 16th of December.