Youth section enjoy tussles with Ballyclare

The Under 15s were first to kick off and from the outset proved that they had the skills and desire to take the contest.

With the Ballymena pack being led by man of the match Forrester they were soon providing a solid platform for the backs. A move in the centre of the field saw Kerr release outhalf McNeill who saw space down the flank. His strong run took him past the despairing tackle from the fullback and he crossed for the first try under the posts.

The 15s were not content with this and the impressive Getty on his move to the second row released Fullerton. His strong run and pass saw centre Jennings sprint to the corner for the second Ballymena try. However the match became tighter when following a series of penalties, Ballyclare drove over from close range.

After the break the boys were soon on the offensive and excellent pressure from Maddison saw new wing George lift the ball and dive to the corner for his first try for the Club.

Then a slick backline move involving Crooks and Forsythe saw space created for inside centre Gilkinson who sprinted clear of the defence to touch down between the posts. Ballyclare were now firmly on the back foot and more pressure in the loose saw Jennings lift from the base of a ruck to sprint clear for his second try. Ballyclare's pack crossed for two late tries but Ballymena were convincing 29-15 winners.

UNDER-13

The Under 13s also had a superb win over their local rivals.

Having conceded a couple of soft early tries the boys got to work and with captain Spiers dominating the breakdown area Ballymena were able to release the impressive Robinson who crossed for his first of two tries. New outhalf Smith made sure of the conversion and the boys were firmly in the game.

With half time approaching the boys made good progress towards the Ballyclare line and some clever interplay saw Houston cross for their second score of the match.

The second half then saw the 13 dominate possession with Robinson sprinting clear to touch down for his second try. Smith again converted and the boys were now firmly in control.

Two further tries from Mills and McIroy piled the agony onto their rivals with the Under 13 running out 27-17 victors.

UNDER-19

Following a turbulent two weeks for Ballymena Under 19s the boys showed pride and determination in pushing unbeaten league leaders Ballyclare to the wire in a closely fought derby before losing 17-10.

From the outset they set about their opponents who seemed surprised at the quality of the Ballymena play. With the back row of Robinson, Reid and Donnelly dominating the loose the backs were soon provided with the possession they required. Scrum half McHugh released new outhalf Evans. He cleverly chipped the rush defence and collected the ball to cross for his first try of the season.

However the boys bad luck which had dogged them for weeks returned. As Evans touched down a clumsy challenge saw him taken off with damage to his knee and ankle. This caused a re-shuffle in the Ballymena backline.

Whilst the boys attempted to settle in to the new formation Ballyclare took advantage of their indecision and scored two tries in quick succession.

In the second half, a fine backs move saw centre Gaston release Donnelly who sprinted clear only to be brought down close to the line by a last ditch Ballyclare tackle.

Eventually the pressure told. Following some good play in the loose from Davison and McClintock the ball moved to stand in outhalf Smith, his sublime cross field chip was collected by Mulholland who gratefully crossed for the boys’ second try.

The last 10 minutes however saw Ballyclare doggedly defend with the 19s again getting across the line only to be denied a try which was again adjudged to have been held up. A soft penalty was given away which allowed Ballyclare to score with the last kick of the game.

However this was more about pride than the result. The boys showed the 19s are firmly back on track and they are now looking forward to the rest of the season with renewed optimism.