Under 15s too Hot to Handle
A strong Coleraine team were always going to prove a strong test for Ballymena’s Under 15s, however the boys were well up for the challenge. With a 100% record this season the 15s were in no mood to let their record slip at Eaton Park. From the out set they took the game to the visitors and were soon camped out in the Coleraine half. As usual the forwards through Jennings and McLeister were in full flow and ensuring Coleraine could not get any meaningful ball. After turning the ball over at the ruck Rock and Fullerton surged towards the Coleraine twenty-two before releasing scrum half Kerr who darted over for the first try. Coleraine fought back into the game and a strong forward drive saw them awarded a penalty which their out half knocked over to close the deficit to two points. Ballymena however were in no mood to step back and with Thompson and Miskelly dominating in the loose it wasn’t long before the next score was on the board. A slick backline move saw McNeill beat two defenders before passing to Crooks who ran in the first of his three tries. The Ballymena pressure was now relentless. McKillen took the ball forward and slipped the ball to Scott. His pass found Crooks who proved to be too elusive for three Coleraine defenders beating each before crossing in the corner for an excellent score. The second half was a tighter affair with Ballymena’s progress disrupted when the impressive Mackness went off with a shoulder injury. The boys took time to adjust to the new formation and Coleraine took advantage running in a score which again closed the gap between the two teams. The Braid boys now dug deep and replacement scrum half Crooks put in an excellent box kick which Millar chased to put the Coleraine full back under pressure. The Ballymena forwards now swarmed over the ball and Scott and Mattison took the ball forward before releasing Crooks who ran in the third of his tries. McNeill converted and the game was now safe. Coleraine did try and respond but some strong tackling from Johnston and Stewart kept them at bay. A kick through from Coleraine caused some concern but a strong run from full back George saw any danger averted. The match then drew to a close with the 15s maintaining their 100% record. They now look forward to the visit of next week of local rivals Randalstown.
Final Score Ballymena 22 : 8 Coleraine
The Under 13s were in equally impressive form continuing their unbeaten run this season. From the first whistle they proved too strong for Coleraine with the forwards through McLoughlin and McMaster taking the game to the visitors. A strong surge from Davison saw the ball moved to O’Neill who released Lamont to crash over in the corner. The backs now came into the match and McGarry slipped a couple of tackles before moving the ball to Luke Mills who sprinted clear to touch down under the posts. The 13s were now unstoppable and some strong forward play from Van Loggerenburg and Pattison play saw space open up for centre Ian Mills who gratefully took his chance to score in the corner. The match was virtually over by half time and the second half brought more punishment for Coleraine with tries from Roe, Mark and McLoughlin adding to the score. Head coaches Van Loggerenburg and Marks really have the boys running well with the last two weeks performance being the best of the season. They also are eagerly looking forward to the visit of rivals Randalstown next week.
Final Score Ballymena 67 : 5 Coleraine