RUGBY REVIEW: Rodgers and McKinney land tries as Carrick keep unbeaten record

The Carrick cause was helped by nearest rivals Coleraine going down by 19-13 to Academy.

The first half was a dour affair dominated by the muddy conditions which were not conducive to running and handling rugby. The home side took the lead with a Luke Whitall penalty and he extended the lead with another penalty five minutes later. The visitors hit back with two penalties of their own to leave the scores locked at 6-6 at the break.

The hosts took control in the second session, taking the lead thanks to a try by Aaron McKinney, with Whitall adding the extras.

Two minutes later Carrick extended their lead when Chris Rodgers intercepted a throw and raced 20 metres to the line for an unconverted score.

Carrick’s third try of the afternoon arrived in the dying embers of the game. And it was that man Rodgers who ran a great line to take a pop pass and crash over. Whittal converted to make the score 25-6 in Carrick’s favour.

Carrick now face two difficult away fixtures, with Donaghadee their opponents on Saturday while Ballymoney await a fortnight later.