Under 15s lose but are not disgraced.

On Saturday 14 Sept the Youth Under 15s fixture with Ballymena was nearly had to be called off before the game had even started.
Only two Under 15 players - Donnelly and Noble - actually turned up and had to ring around other players to advise them that the game had not in fact been cancelled.
Luckily the two lads gathered together 10 players and with Ballymena lending two from their squad the game was able to be played.
In fine playing conditions the game was played at a terrific pace and the Ballymoney lads acquitted themselves to the task of stopping the much larger opposition forwards. They rucked and mauled superbly throughout the first half but an injury to Graham Donnelly resulted in the side being reduced in numbers. Ballymena took advantage of this and ran in 5 tries, four of which were converted leaving the half-time score at 33-0.
The second half produced a different approach with Ballymoney support players retaining a lot of possession and with good running from both forwards and backs the Ballymoney lads did not let their heads drop. However, Ballymena scored another try from a quick tap penalty and this was converted.
The Ballymoney lads did not give up and scored the best try of the match when all of the players were involved.The lads stole the ball from a Ballymena maul and after several excellent rucking play Jack Doak beat several Ballymena defenders to score between the posts. This was converted.
The full-time whistle went with the score 40-7 in favour of Ballymena.
The Under 15s should be proud of the way in which they played against much larger opposition and the result could have been different if the full squad had been able to attend.
Man of the Match was Jack Doak who had an excellent game.Well done Jack.