Opening-day draw for Carrick under-17s

The local side, captained by number eight John Magill, performed well against the visitors and their performance perhaps deserved more than a share of the spoils.

Malone got off to a flying start inside the first five minutes scoring a great try after a free-flowing move. The score was converted.

Malone upped the tempo for the next 20 minutes and only some last-ditch tackles prevented them from stretching their lead. Most notably Carrick winger Daniel Crawford’s diving tap-tackle on his opposite number saved what would have been a certain try.

At half-time Carrick’s coaches insisted on greater effort from their back line and rallied the pack to give a more focused performance up front. And they got the desired response. The second half could not have been more different from the first with the home pack’s determination giving Malone something to think about.

Phase after phase of attack from the Carrick forwards eventually broke the stubborn Malone defence when Dean Henderson crashed over to score. Lock Mathew Wilson added the extras to bring the scores level.

With the Man of the Match Mathew Wilson leading the way, Carrick dominated the second half but were unable to find the crucial breakthrough score which would have given them the win.

For more coverage from Carrick Rugby Club see this week’s Carrick Times