Ballymena youth sides shine at the park

The Under 17s were impressive from the kick off. With their opponents Rainey unable to deal effectively with the kick off possession was soon secured which saw Spence and McLoughlin secure the ball for Ballymena before releasing new full back Appleton for his first try of the season.

The boys did not rest however and a slick backline move saw the boys move to within yards of the line. Here the forwards took over and following some pick and drives from Mulholland and Millar, McCourt drove over for a second try.

Rainey were not going to roll over however and some excellent back play saw them cross in the corner to bring the deficit back to only five points.

However the second half showed the 17s again in control with the impressive McNeill releasing Clements who sprinted clear of the Rainey defenders before passing to O’Connor. This took Ballymena again to within striking distance of the Rainey line and Clarke secured the ball before Wilson lifted and drove across the line for a score in the corner.

It was not long before Ballymena were again pushing forward through Hyndeman and McIlwaine. Some neat inter-play in their opponents 22 saw McCourt cross for his second try of the game.

As the match grew to a close Ballymena kept up the pressure and centre Crawford made a break which released Davison his neat pass saw open side flanker McKee sprint clear for the last score of the match in a 25-5 win.

The Under 15s made an equally impressive start to their game against Rainey.

Following a break by new centre Gilkinson the boys were soon up to the Rainey line and some strong forward play from Getty and Maddison saw prop Scott cross for his first try of the season. The boys kept up the pressure and with Forrester and Mills dominating in the loose it was not long before an intelligent break from Kerr saw him cross for the Braid boys second score. A conversion from Crooks increased the lead, indeed this conversion was to prove invaluable at the conclusion of the game.

With the boys continuing to work had the impressive Jennings released Fyfe who sprinted clear to score in the corner.

However at this stage the boy took their foot of the pedal and allowed Rainey to come back into the game scoring two tries to close the gap to seven points.

Ballymena again picked up the reins and after the break a concerted effort involving Forsythe Fullerton saw the ball going to Forrester who crashed over for a well deserved try.

Rainey were not finished however and in the dying minutes they scored another try which they narrowly failed to convert. Overall however the 15s were worth their 22-20 victory.

In the other match the Under 13s a totally new group of players proved too strong for Rainey an ran out decisive winners.

A great day was finished off in style with the Youth players staying for a BBQ and then watching the Firsts defeat Old Crescent.

The day at Eaton Park had a great family feel and everyone is hoping that the boys and the Senior teams can take this success all the way this year.