Braid under-19s storm into cup quarter-finals

Despite having one of the youngest Under 19 squads the boys have managed to finish second in their league and have now embarked on a solid cup run.

Having waited over 45 minutes for kick off, after several Ophir players got lost, the boys got straight into the match with the forwards taking the game to their opposition.

With some strong forward play from Bowes and Mulholland the 19s gained excellent field position. McKeown and Robinson worked hard to create space which prop Smith exploited to crash over for the first try of the match. The conversion from Wiggins saw the score move to 7–0 to the home team.

With the forwards continuing to exert pressure it was only a matter of time before the backs got an opportunity to get at their opponents.

A planned move in the centre saw Reid and Smyth create space for Mullholland. His quick pass to Leslie opened up the Ophir defence and Anderson gratefully ran in the second try of the game.

The Braid boys were now determined to close the game out and continues to press with Donnelly and McKeown being very impressive in the loose.

Following another forward drive Hayes moved the ball to the backs were some excellent passing saw centre Mulholland sprint clear of the covering defenders to score in the corner. This was again converted and the score moved to 19–0.

The second half was a tighter affair where the 19s found it more difficult to convert their chances. Although they dominated possession Ophir defended well and managed to keep the boys at bay for long periods.

However the pressure had to tell and a penalty saw Wiggins kick to the corner to set up a five metre lineout. McKendry caught the lineout throw and supported by the pack he surged over the line for Ballymena’s fourth try of the game.

The game continued in this vein for the rest of the match with the only exception being a breakaway consolation try for the visitors.