Ballymena Under 19s Turn on the Style
Ballymena Under 19s gave their early season the kick start it needed with an emphatic victory over local rivals Ballymoney. Having suffered two recent defeats in close contests the 19s were determined to get their first win of the season. The game got off to the best possible start for the boys with the forwards soon getting to grips with their opposite numbers. New signings Shearer and Lowry brought the 19s into Ballymoney’s twenty-two with some clever inter-play. The ball was then transferred quickly to the wing where Nelson gratefully collected an excellent pass and dived over for a try in the corner. Ballymena’s pack were determined to take the game to the visitors with McLintock and Davison taking control at the breakdown. The 19s defensive line was also holding Ballymoney at bay and they were soon frustrated resulting in a wild floated pass from their inside centre. Rainey gratefully collected the poor pass and sprinted clear running 50 metres before touching down under the posts. McNeill gratefully stepped up and slotted the conversion putting the Braid boys in control of the game. Johnston and McIlwaine were also in good form denying the visitors any clean ball. Ballymena were determined to close the game out and a fine run from McHugh saw him release man of the match Knox who drove within yards of the line. Quick thinking from prop Spence saw him lift the ball and drive over for a well deserved score. With the boys cruising it came as a surprise when Ballymoney intercepted a pass to run under the posts for a converted try.
The second half again saw Ballymena dominate. With the Bowes twins showing some excellent perception the boys were soon making space and threatening the Ballymoney line. Only some last ditch tackling saw the visitors prevent McKee from crossing in the corner. The Ballymena backs were now enjoying the space created by the forwards and a slick backline move saw outhalf McNeill drive forcefully towards the line before slipping a superb pass to Mulholland who crossed for his first try for the Under 19s. Further pressure saw the 19s camped in the Ballymnoney half and a series of infringements were penalised by the referee. McNeill took advantage of one of the decisions to knock over a penalty and take the game further away from the visitors. The pack were so dominant that Ballymnoey asked to go to uncontested scrums. Whilst this disappointed the Ballymena pack they soon made up for this with more excellent play around the breakdown. Some strong play saw McHugh release McCourt. His surging run saw him brought down feet from the line. Stand in back row Wilson scooped up the loose ball and crossed for the final try which was converted by the impressive McNeill. This was an excellent performance from a team who are beginning to gel and the boys are now eagerly looking forward to the start of their league campaign.
Final Score Ballymena 32 Ballymoney 7