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Carrick Youth start season with impressive victories

Carrcikfergus Rugby Club youth section once again are being generously sponsored by NK Holding Ltd.  Upwards of 90 boys have been attending preseason training since the beginning of August and last saw them play there first competitive fixtures of the season against local rivals Ballyclare.

At U 13 level the team playing their first ever 15 a side game on a full pitch ran out convincing 45-5 winners. The boys stuck to the game plan they had trained for which saw the forwards dominate up front allowing the back line division to run the ball on all occasions.  A 20-0 lead at half time was not allowed to detract from the task focus and this young team continued after the break to play a structured and fast moving brand of rugby.  At the final whistle the team had scored a total of seven tries whilst conceding only one.  On Wednesday night the boys continue their warm up for the start of the league campaign with a home fixture against Bangor youth.

Carrickfergus U15 XV-41.Ballyclare U15 XV -17.

In this the opening fixture for the home side, Ballyclare were the visitors and Carrick ran out as solid victors in a 7 tries to 3 scoreline.Glorious sunshine favoured the Woodlawn grounds on Saturday morning and provided a hard, dry pitch on which these young stars of tomorrow showed off their skills.

Pre-season fitness work was much in evidence on the Carrick side as they wore down their opponents with a blend of pace and power allied to a high level of passing ability.The contact zone and broken play in general provided rich pickings for the home side who were able to quickly recycle the ball and get it to a player in space.

Ballyclare contributed fully to the encounter and scored 3 tries in the process but Carrick were involved  in the assist in all of their tries through lack of  decisive action in their defensive setup.

This however was the home sides first time on the pitch together and overall the result was pleasing with more positives than negatives. The 41 points haul was comprised of tries from Darren Robinson (3) Jordan Besant (2) Marcus Jones (1) and Calum White (1)Matthew Wilson provided 3 conversions.

Normally 3 tries would be produced in a man of the match performance and although all of the scorers were possible nominations for this accolade there was one player who didn’t get on the score sheet but provided an outstanding performance.

The post match team huddle concluded to a man that the MOM was open side flanker John Magill who gave an all round rugby performance that was head and shoulders above every other player on the pitch.

Time spent on the scrum at training paid off and now similar time must be given to the lineout, ruck & maul in continuing sessions.

Development of the kicking game is also on the agenda as the team builds a game structure and pattern but early signs are good.

A huge challenge awaits next week as Carrick play host to Portadown in the first ever Premier League fixture between these two sides. To that end a full squad turnout is required on Wednesday night at training starting 7pm sharp on the pitch.

A special word of praise must go to the new players who made their U15 debuts on Saturday, Neil, Jarleth, Jamie & Jake featured for the first time at this level and all made strong contributions. Their presence will help strengthen the squad and equally greatly assist in their rugby development.

Squad: Cory Reid Adam Williamson Marcus Jones Darren Robinson Calum White Jonny Wilson Lewis Stockman Neil Beggs Johnny Mooney Bradley Young Ian McMenemin Matthew Wilson Arron McAuley John Magill(MOM) Jordan  Besant Dean Henderson Thomas Walker Jarleth Jamie Jake.

Scorers:-Tries Darren Robinson (3) Jordan Besant (2) Marcus Jones (1)  Calum White (1) Cons Matthew Wilson (3)

Man Of The Match:- John Magill

At Under 17 level the Carrick Youth side produced an impressive performance also comprehensively outscoring the opposition Ballyclare side 34-10. A combination of structured forward play and attacking back play was too much for the away side to cope with.  Carrick’s set piece play led  by captain J Murray was of a particular high quality.  Additionally the Carrick back row unit led by M Ferris and N Wilson were first to the majority if not all of the breakdown play.

Next week Carrick play their first premier league match at home to Portadown. Kick off for this match is 11.00am and all spectators all welcome to Woodlawn grounds.

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.Youth Report, 12-09-09