Ballyclare return home empty-handed

The home side took full advantage of two visiting players being sin-binned in the first half, and piled on the points for a 20-3 win.

Mo Finlay’s lads started promisingly at Mullaghmeen where full-back Robert Smith opened the scoring with a penalty, but this was soon cancelled out.

When possession was lost in midfield the Skins raced in for a converted try to lead 10-3, and then came the two indiscretions and the inevitable yellow cards.

The home side made full use of their numerical superiority to double their tally with a penalty and another converted score to turn round 20-3 ahead.

In an untidy second half, wayward handling by both teams resulted in no change in the scoreline.

For most of the second session, Ballyclare were a man short; first wing-forward Nigel Moore was off for a time, and no sooner was he back in action when fellow flanker, Chris Coburn, had to retire injured.

Near the end a nicely weighted kick by Colin Morrow almost had Nathan Loughlin in, but the home defence held firm.

Coach Bob Young, now in his third season at the Cloughan, was disappointed with the overall performance, particularly the lack of drive.

The coach is hoping that Gary Weatherup, Gareth Byers and new number eight Michael Rainey will be available for this weekend’s home league fixture against Limavady.

Ballyclare: Robert Smith; Nathan Loughlin, Gary Clotworthy, James Jackson, JJ Baird; Niall Lawther, Colin Morrow; Mo Finlay (C), Andrew Wylie, Alan Boyd, Matthew Crothers, Graeme McKinstry, Chris Coburn, Nigel Moore, Willie Logan.