Carrick exit Towns’ Cup at first-round stage

It was not the start to 2014 that Carrick wanted, but they gave a reasonable account of themselves against Section 1 opposition and, had they been a bit more accurate in execution in the first half, the result may well have been much closer.

In a game which saw three yellow cards and a late red dished out to Carrick players, Dromore were the better side, particularly in the first half when they clearly won the kicking battle.

The visitors were also better at taking the chances which came their way and were well organised in defence in the second half when the home side had more territory and possession than they had enjoyed in the first session.

The early exchanges were fairly even but the visitors took the lead after seven minutes with a catch and drive from a line-out five metres from the Carrick line. The try was not converted.

With 20 minutes gone, and following a Carrick catch and drive, Johnny Sheriff scythed through the Dromore defence on half-way and, when he was tackled just short of the line, quickly re-cycled ball allowed Neil Hastings to dive over for an unconverted score.

With two minutes to go to the break, the visitors again drove over from a line-out close in. This time the score was converted.

Almost immediately Dromore extended their lead when their scrum-half juggled and then gathered a ball which appeared to have richoceted off one of his own players and raced over in the corner. It wasn’t goaled but Dromore led 17 - 5 at the break.

The second half was a dour affair but one in which Carrick did have their chances despite being down to 14 men, and briefly 13. Credit must go to the Dromore defence, however, and the only score of the second half was a penalty to the visitors with about 10 minutes to go.

Carrick entertain League leaders Ballyclare at Tom Simms Memorial Park on Saturday.