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CARRICK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB YOUTH ROUND UP FOR 4 OCTOBER 2008.
Saturday past saw the NK Fencing sponsored youth sides competing in mini blitz days against Larne, Ballyclare and Randalstown.
UNDER 18S
In absolutely atrocious downpour conditions Carrick won the mini-
The first game of the tournament saw ‘Clare beat a game Randalstown team by a solitary penalty in a game whose quality belied the conditions of wind and heavy rain.
In the second game Carrick cantered to a three try victory over Randalstown through Danny Beggs, Gareth Barnard and Graig Meaklim. Whittal converting one of these for a comfortable victory.
The decider against Ballyclare was evenly matched although Carrick had plenty of territorial advantage.
A Michael Wilson try was a difference as Carrick scraped a fairly unconvincing win on a very wet morning.
Assistant coach Matt Ginn expressed disappointment at his teams 4/10 performance even though they won and promised a higher level of ability and intensity for next weeks league opener against Ballymena.
UNDER 16S
The Under 16s travelled to Ballyclare with a squad of 22 players looking to make
up for last weeks disappointing defeat away to Portadown. In awful laying conditions
the side recorded a victory over Randalstown, drew with Ballyclare and narrowly lost
by 5-
UNDER 14s
The U14 string from Carrickfergus RFC experienced the complete opposite of the previous weeks glorious sunshine when they travelled to The Glynn for the
Larne RFC hosted East Antrim U14 Rugby Blitz.
Torrential rain and gale force winds however did not deter the Woodlawn boys from playing an open type game with handling and running skills of a fairly high standard.
Despite the conditions Carrick claimed six tries and five conversions with Darren Robinson being top try scorer with four tries and Jamie Warnock successful with five conversions from six.
Carricks first game was against Ballyclare and two Robinson tries vitally converted by Warnock just gave them the edge over their rivals from The Cloughan.
Had Carrick been a little tighter in defence they might have denied Ballyclares second score but as this was the first game of the day a winning start was well received.
Score Carrickfergus U14 – 14 (D Robinson 2T, J Warnock 2Con) Ballyclare U14 – 10
Carrick against Larne was a much better effort particularly in defence and effectively denied Larne a scoring opportunity. On the other hand Carricks confidence grew in attack with Robinson getting on the scoreline again with an individual effort which Warnock converted.
Some good lead up play by the forwards on the right allowed the ever alert Carrick scrumhalf to swing the ball left for Jordan Patchett to score near the posts for Warnock to again add the bonus points.
Carrick were not done however and after a good midfield surge by Carricks props and number eight the ball went wide on the right to Marcus Jones,good forceful running on the outside saw the winger race down the touchline before beating the final defender on the inside and score beneath the posts.Warnock again converted.
Score Carrickfergus U14 – 21 (D Robinson T, J Patchett T, M Jones T, J Warnock 3Cons)
The last game of the morning against an also unbeaten Randalstown was a tense affair with very little separating the sides.R,town pressed hard for long periods and should have scored but for a dogged defensive effort from Carrick.A particular piece of defence stopped a R,town forward who had crossed the line from touching down and good ripping work allowed Carrick to claim the ball and clear to the 22mtr line.
With both teams tiring another turnover allowed Carrick to carry the ball upfield and mount an attack on the left which allowed Robinson to get his fourth try of the day.
Warnock was unlucky with the conversion attempt.
As expected R,town laid siege to Carricks line in the final five minutes and their two best backs combined to send their impressive centre down the left touchline.
Carricks defenders hesitated in cutting him off from getting to the posts and allowed an easy conversion to follow the try.
Score Carrickfergus U14 – 5 (Robinson T) Randalstown U14 – 7
The Carrickfergus Coaches & Team Management were rightly proud of a magnificent effort by all those involved in the blitz squad which was another huge step in the development of this very young group many of whom are graduates from mini rugby and playing 15 a side for the first time.
Next week sees the start of the league campaign against Ballymena and already several players have staked strong claims for starting spots, the team has not yet however been anywhere near finalised and with several players returning from injury & unavailability this can only strengthen the squad.
All players to attend training on wed night with full playing equipment.The session will start on the pitch at 7pm Sharp.
.Youth Report, 04-