Ballymena Rugby Club U-17s open campaign with victory

The much fancied Malone team turned out to be no match for the 17s who from the first whistle showed why they were unbeaten last season at Under 15 level.

With the pack through Hunter and Thompson taking the ball deep into Malone territory it was only some last ditch tackling which prevented an early Ballymena try. However the boys kept working patiently with Getty and Mills carrying impressively in the loose.

A neat back line move then saw the ball taken on by Gilkinson who released the impressive Mattison for his first try of the season.

However Malone have always been strong at this level and they managed to play their way back into the game. A kick through outwitted the Ballymena defence and Malone capitalised with a try in the corner. This was the position going to half time. However at this stage Ballymena were dealt another injury blow. With prop Rock already side lined with a knee injury open side Jennings twisted painfully and was taken to hospital with suspected ligament damage.

The 17s rallied in the second half and again through McLeister and McKillen began to dominate in the loose. A fine run from full back Bell saw the Braid boys deep in Malone territory. Some quick thinking saw Millar dart clear before releasing scrum half Kerr who gratefully dived over to increase the 17s lead.

The remainder of the half saw the 17s dominate possession with Logan and George proving too strong for the Malone pack. Another forward drive saw the ball moved to Stewart he released Miskelly who was stopped short of the line. However the referee awarded a penalty for offside and McNeill gratefully converted to extend the lead.

The boys were now playing some excellent rugby with several box kicks from Crooks keeping Malone pinned down in their own half. A high tackle on Mackness brought another penalty which McNeill again converted to make the final score Ballymena 16, Malone 5.

UNDER-13

The Under 13s continued their impressive form with a very comfortable win over a more experienced Malone side.

With several players playing in only their second competitive rugby game the boys impressed their coaches with their skill and commitment. With Fullerton and Haveron dominating at the rucks the 13s were soon providing quick ball to the backs.

A flowing move saw McKay and Mark out strip the Malone defence before releasing O’Loughlin who touched down for a well deserved try. Walker stepped up and slotted the first of his three conversions and the 13s were on their way.

Almost immediately the 13s were back into Malone territory With Scullion and Munce combining to put Pattison in the clear. His strong run saw him touch down for his fourth try of the campaign.

With McKenna and Higgins working hard at the break down the 13s were always in control and a strong forward surge saw McNally cross for the first of his two tries.

The second half brought more of the same with McAuley linking with O’Rawe who increased the lead just after the break. McIlwaine and Mark then combined to put McConkey clear and he touched down for his first try of the season.

Further tries from McAuley took the final score to an impressive Ballymena 41 Malone 0.