Young prepares Ballyclare for new season

BALLYCLARE'S new rugby coach, Bob Young, a former Ballymena player, had the club's top two teams in action at the weekend against their Coleraine counterparts in preparation for the new season.

Both matches were played at The Cloughan, where the 2nd XV lost narrowly, while the seniors won very narrowly - by a single point!

This was a thriller all the way, with spectators getting full value for money as the lead changed hands several times, before Willie Logan's men scraped home 17-16.

With the strong wind in their favour Coleraine had the edge in the first half, and territorial advantage was reflected in their 10-8 lead at the turnaround.

Gary Clotworthy opened the scoring with a penalty, but was unable to add the extras when winger Johnny Reid crossed following fine work by Paul Morrow, while the visitors scored a converted try and a penalty.

The second session featured a kicking contest between Clotworthy and his opposite number. The 'Clare man eased his side in to a 11-10 lead with the first penalty of the half, his opponent cancelled this one out; 11- 13 to Coleraine. Two more penalties left the County Londonderry men still leading 14-16, but Clotworthy had the final say when he slotted over the winner seconds before the final whistle.

In contrast the clash of the 2nd XVs proved to be a tame affair which had to be abandoned ten minutes from time, when winger Graham King and an opponent had to be taken to hospital following a clash of heads.

At that stage Coleraine led by a try and a penalty to a home unconverted touchdown by Crothers.

Ballyclare have strengthened their panel significantly this season by recruiting Alan McGrugan from Ards, Gary Clotworthy from Instonians, Gary Watters and Jonathan Kennedy from Northern Ireland Civil Service, while Kyle Norton is available again this season after missing out last year.

This weekend Ballyclare entertain Banbridge II, while the 2nd XV host Carrick II, but the 4th XV will be at Woodlawn to take on Carrick III.

Former senior coach, Robin Byers, is now in charge of the Under 19s, and he had them in action in the Ophir Sevens, and was pleased that his young side battled their way to the semi-final stage.

Wins against Lisburn, Carrick and Ophir advanced them to the last four, but a red card at that stage proved to be fatal, and they were beaten 28-0 by Randalstown.

The Under 19s had a comprehensive 55-0 win in a friendly in Newry, where Gary Weatherup top scored with a hat-trick of touchdowns, with other scores by Mark Weatherup (2), Nick Beattie (2), Chris Gillen and Andy Watson, with the kicking duties shared by Watson and Gillen.