Ballymoney Under-17 rugby side storm to third win in a row

Ballymoney stormed to their third win in a row in Larne.
Matt Johnston wins lineout ball for Ballymoney U-17s away to Larne.Matt Johnston wins lineout ball for Ballymoney U-17s away to Larne.
Matt Johnston wins lineout ball for Ballymoney U-17s away to Larne.

On Saturday 19 October Ballymoney RFC Under 17XV travelled to Larne for a friendly fixture with only thirteen players and a guesting Under 15 player, leaving with a third win in a row.

Playing in superb conditions the Ballymoney lads played attacking rugby from the start. This caught out their larger opponents who could not cope with the pace of the Ballymoney backline. The seven forwards fought for every ball and this gave the six backs the freedom to attack at every opportunity.

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The first score came after five minutes when Steven Douglas scored an unconverted try after receiving the ball on the overlap following great forward play and strong running from Aaron Brown.Aaron Brown scored a second try when he broke through the Larne defence to score between the posts. Andrew Young converted.

The seven forwards winning excellent ball in all phases of play enabled scrumhalf Chris Campbell to release his backs who constantly attacked the opposing backline. This proved successful when Andrew Young switched direction and ran down the blindside beating two Larne tacklers to score an unconverted try.

Before halftime Aaron Brown, Gavin Thompson and Matthew Johnston scored three well deserved tries one of which was converted by Andrew Young, leaving the halftime score 34-0 to Ballymoney.

When the second half kicked off Larne fought back by scoring a converted try.

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In immediate reply the Ballymoney forwards set up good ball for the backs and Steven Douglas released Gary Pattinson to score a try which was well converted by Andrew Young from the sideline. From then on the Ballymoney lads took control of the game leaving the final score at 41-7 in their favour.

This was another great win for the very talented and impressive Under 17s who, if they continue this momentum, will be a very difficult team to defeat.

Man of the Match was Graham Donnelly, who made his debut from the Under 15s and who played superbly in the second row.

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