Gallant Ballymena under-19s go down fighting

HAVING lost out-half Evans to injury before the kick off Ballymena were always going to find it difficult to meet the challenge of Carrick's established backline in Saturday's meeting of the sides.

However the boys met the challenge head on led superbly by stand in outhalf Smyth. From the outset Ballymena took the game to the visitors.

With man of the match Smyth mixing up the game with a series of intelligent passes and chips over the on rushing defence the Braid boys were winning the majority of the possession. Knox and Robinson were dominating the breakdown and it appeared only a matter of time before the first score would be registered. However having been judged to have been held up on the line a penalty let Carrick relieve the pressure.

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A quick attack saw Carrick threaten the Ballymena line and despite Ballymena’s protests that the ball had been knocked on the visitors were awarded the first try.

Ballymena immediately struck back and scrum half McHugh released Mulholland who broke clear only to be tackled close to the line. Some concerted pressure however from the forwards saw Donnelly lift and drive for the equalising score.

Carrick took the restart and some sloppy play in the Ballymena defence saw Carrick regain possession and run a very good score into the corner.

In the second half the Ballymena boys again had the lion’s share of the possession. A clearing kick from Carrick saw full back Gaston collect and release winger Donnelly. However a very late challenge, which was not spotted by the officials saw Gaston have to leave the pitch and the Ballymena backline was again re-shaped as a result of injury.

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Carrick took advantage of some uncertainty in the Ballymena cover to race clear and extend their lead.

However the Under 19s refused to give in and an excellent surging run from second row Mulholland saw him break clear. As he was tackled he released a superb pass for inside centre Matthew Mulholland who sprinted clear to score under the posts.

Carrick began a backline move and with the Ballymena players stopping momentarily to call for a forward pass the Carrick winger took full advantage of the hesitation to run in for the winning try.

The Under 19 boys have shown they are now back on track and that with a bit of luck and no more injuries they can look forward to a good second half of the season.

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