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Est 1865

.U18s Report, 10-01-09

Carrick U18

Strong Second Half Seals Comfortable Victory

    Carrick U18’s forced to make several changes due to injury bravely chose to play against a very strong breeze at Woodburn after winning the toss.

     In the early stages of the first half Carrick stuck to a “ Keep ball” driving strategy and managed to strike deep into Ards territory. However the wind ensured that  one clearance kick would put the home side in difficulty and it did. After some fine surges from the Carrick pack, they finally lost a lineout and Ards kicked long ; the Carrick back three failed to clear and  Ards took the opportunity to score close to the posts and convert to lead 7-0. Shortly after the Ards centre landed a long range penalty for Ards to lead 10-0.

     Carrick stuck to using their powerful pack and scored an unconverted try wide out through James Graham after persistent pressure.

     Coach Warren McClean was well pleased with his teams performance confident that with the advantage of the breeze his team would strike back in the second half. In fact Carrick totally dominated the second period and scored three tries; the first by winger Craig Meaklim after a great midfield charge by prop Chris Rodgers. The second came from skipper Jason Wady at the third attempt having  twice previously failed to ground the ball over the Ards line. This try was converted by Luke Whittal as was the third by Scrum half Ryan Barnes who threw a clever dummy and powered over the line.

    A comfortable win but next week will be a different story when Tabletopper s Malone visit Carrick in what should be the game of the season so far.

Exciting Future Ahead for Carrick Rugby

   Last Friday night the largest crowd of the season gathered to witness the eagerly awaited clash between Carrick Rugby Club’s U18’s and Carrick Grammar School 1stXV. A few years back this would have been no contest for the Grammar but Youth Rugby in clubs and certainly not least in Carrickfergus has improved beyond recognition.

    Several parents, friends and supporters of both fractions gathered to enjoy burgers and refreshments and witness what turned out to be a very keenly contested encounter.

    The club side revered for their large abrasive pack of forwards made some good territorial inroads into the Grammar side but the school first fifteen’s defensive qualities were strong enough to hold out the men in red.

    The 18’s expected some fine skill from the Grammar backline and weren’t disappointed. Time then for the defensive quality of the club backline which just about nullified the threat.

    It turned out to be a game of two halves with the club building an 8 point lead through a well taken Luke Whittal penalty and a try by flanker Samuel Mayne.

    The Grammar improved and gained good field position in the second half. Carrick 18’s conceded far too many penalties, 3 of which were well converted by fly-half Andrew McIlroy 9-8 the scoreline and with time running out the club side failed to make late pressure tell and the Grammar School claimed a victory and received the trophy newly presented in its first year .The “Ralph Snowling” cup .Ralph, known provincewide for his work in Youth Rugby was on hand to present the cup and impart some words of wisdom ( and wisecracks) to the assembled throng of supporters .

    Neil Kennedy coach of the Grammar and Mark Kidd on behalf of the club expressed great satisfaction at the successful outcome of the evenings fixture.

   Mark was delighted that after a similar fixture last year several of the Grammar boys had signed up to play for their local town club. Neil enjoyed the game and spoke enthusiastically of the merits of both teams. Both coaches are convinced that the pick of the two squads would hugely benefit the future development of Carrick Rugby Club.

   Also present with a keen eye on the future was Club 1st XV coach Gary Leslie who wore a broad grin at the prospect of inheriting the players on view into the senior club.

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