Ballyclare off to a flyer at Bangor

A Rossan penalty gave the home side an early 3-0 lead before the visitors hit back with Clarke’s unconverted try edging them in front.

The Seasiders responded courtesy of another Rossan penalty and before the break the visitors’ scrum-half, Colin Morrow, suffered a facial injury but after treatment bravely carried on.

In the second half, Ballyclare skipper Robert Boyd also soliered on despite picking up an injury. Ballyclare then had a try ruled out with referee Johnny Peak spotting a foot in touch.

Bangor were back in front after a Byers penalty gave them a narrow 8-6 lead.

Ballyclare replacement Willie Logan was introduced at wing forward and the ‘Clare pack, who had shown huge desire and application, drove their bigger opponents back into their own 22 for prop David Lawther to land a vital unconverted try, forging a 13-6 lead.

Further good work from the visiting forwards forced another penalty on the 22 and Byers slotted the kick to take a deserved 16-6 lead.

Ballyclare: G. Byers, M. Kirk, D. Crawford, D. Clarke, J. Greer, N. Lawther, C. Morrow - A. Boyd, A. Wylie, D. Lawther, R.Boyd (capt), G. McKinstry; P. Robinson, D. Chambers, G. Weatherup. Subs: W. Logan, P. Hamill.

This Saturday Ballyclare are at home to Dromore who recorded a good win over Cooke last weekend.