Thirds face off against Fourthsat the Cloughan

Saturday saw an historic event at the Cloughan where Ballyclare's 3rd XV and 4th XV played a league game against each other. Ulster Branch league reorganisation had seen the two sides end up together in Junior 5.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Mar 2016, 07:00 BST

Usually teams from the same club were kept apart in league competitions, so the first encounter between the sides attracted a good crowd to watch the double header at The Cloughan.

With no shortage of players wanting to take to the field for this fixture, both sides fielded strong teams.

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The 3’s took the lead through a Montgomery penalty, soon cancelled out by a Wasson reply. The 4’s took the lead when Heaney drove over the line with Wasson adding the conversion. Martyn Todd increased the 4’s lead with a try, before the 3’s wing, Pyper touched down; 8-15.

The entertaining encounter was being played in great spirit with a wealth of rugby talent on show, with many previous 1st XV players included in both sides. Ian Heaney showed great speed as he broke clear and scored under the posts. Wasson added the conversion to give the 4’s a 22-8 lead.

David Tweed pulled a score back for the 3’s right at the end. His own conversion attempt going just wide as the final whistle sounded. Result: Ballyclare III 13 Ballyclare IV 22.

With double points on offer for the victory Marc Fox’s men moved into second place in the league.

Related topics:Ballyclare