Ballymena Youth Do it For James
Ballymena Youth Rugby was shocked this week to learn that one of their Under 15 players had suffered the sad loss of his Dad during the week. However Saturday saw James Scott turn up to play because in his words ‘It’s what my Dad would have wanted’.
The youth teams set off determined to show their respect in the only way they could by winning for James. The Under 13s started proceedings off – following a minutes silence – they set about opponents Ophir. The boys were soon on their way and as has been the case the forwards took the game to Ophir. A strong run from Loggerenburg saw Pattison release McMaster. His strong run saw him drive past two defenders before crossing for the first try of the game. The conversion was slotted over by Harpur and the 13s were up and running. Ophir proved no match for the power of the Ballymena boys and Lamont was soon on one of his rampaging runs scattering defenders before touching down under the posts for the first of his two tries. This time it was Mills who knocked over the conversion to take the score to 14 – o. The remainder of the first half was to be more of the same with McKenna and Austin adding to the try count. The second half saw the 13s put more points on the board as McGarry stepped his way to an excellent score. Further tries were added by Lamont and McGarry with the final score Ophir 0 Ballymena 68.
The Under 15s were also soon up and running determined to continue the winning way for James. The game had only started when a slick move saw scrum half Kerr release Jennings. His run drew defenders to the ball before it was moved to Mackness who scored under the posts. The conversion was made by McNeill and the 15s were now in the mood for more. The forwards now got into the game with Scott and Rock taking control on the loose. Some excellent work at the breakdown put Ophir on the back foot and second row McLeister took full advantage driving over for the first of his two tries. The forwards were in no mood to stop and Maddison was soon going forward supported by Miskelly. Again the ball was taken deep into the Ophir half and Mills scooped a loose ball before crashing over for a well deserved try. McNeill again converted from under the posts. The second half saw the 15s take the game awy from Ophir in emphatic form. Two quick tries from Forrester and Fullerton saw the 15s move to total control of the game. The backs were not finished however and a slick backline move saw Thompson release Bell who ran clear to score. This was followed by a strong individual run from Millar who touched down under the posts. Mackness Mills and McLeister added further tries before the game came to a close with the score Ophir 0 Ballymena 60.
The Under 17s were in Limavady and word soon came to them that the 13s and 15s had achieved the first two victories they so badly wanted. This seemed to spur the 17s on. Despite facing a bigger more experienced team who were coming off two victories the 17s were in no mood to let James down. From the start they took the game to their hosts. A good lineout saw the ball collected by McLoughlin his strong run saw the ball smuggled to Millar who drove over the line to get the boys on their way. From the restart outhalf Appleton launched a long ball deep into the Limavady half. With the line out under pressure Limavady could not clear their lines. Clarke stole the ball and moved it to McGarry whose pass released Gilkinson . His run drew in defenders and the ball was moved to McCafferty who sprinted clear to score in the corner. Limavady now had one of their few forays into the Ballymena half however some excellent defending from Edwards saw them knock on and McNeill gratefully cleared the ball up the pitch. Again the forwards dominated proceedings and despite nine boys playing in only their third game of rugby the boys put the game beyond their hosts. With McNabney and Davison securing good ball the ball moved to Millar who was driven across the line for the second of his two tries. The second half saw Ballymena camped in the Limavady half for long periods. A long kick from Hyndeman saw Limavady fail to clearthier lines Bainbridge pressurised and forced a turnover Millar scooped up the ball and supported by Lindsay he drove over the line. The 15s were in no mood to ease off and McIntyre released McAlister. His pass saw the ball moved to McDowell who drew two defenders before passing to Currie.. He collected the pass and sprinted clear to before passing to McCafferty who touched down in the corner. The youth had now completed their clean sweep for James, the final score Limavady 0 Ballymena 25.