Match Report AIL 2A vs Ballymena

The sun came out just as the two teams took to the pitch on a lovely afternoon for a match.

A fair wind swept straight down the field towards Lucey Park, which Rock had at our back for the first half.

Seven debutants were named in Coach Blaney’s squad for our Round one clash against Ballymena.

Five took to the field in the starting 15, with two more on the bench.

It was one of these debutants who made an immediate impact, as Ross Barron made a jinking run off the base of a scrum to score a Try with 4 minutes on the clock.

Kicker Quirke added the extras.

7 : 0

A Ballymena penalty on 11 minutes saw them get on the scoreboard.

7 : 3

Rock were on the front foot and wave after wave of attacking play from forwards and backs alike saw another Try on debut, this time from centre James Moriarty.

Quirkey, once again split the posts to add the extras.

18’ gone.

14 : 3

With 28 minutes gone, James Moriarty went in again to make it a double on the day.

Converted by Kicker Quirke.

21 : 3

On 33 minutes, Captain Liam McMahon secured the Bonus point with a great Try out wide after 7 phases of play.

Kicker Quirke lined up a difficult kick and once again nailed it to add the extras.

28 : 3

Two minutes later we were in again.

From the kick off, Rock broke down the left hand side.

Mattie Dwan pounced on a chip through to score.

Conversion just missed.

33 : 3

On the stoke of half time, Ballymena were awarded a penalty Try on our line.

H/T

33 : 10

Rock kicked off the second half into the wind, which was getting stronger as the day went on.

After 50 minutes, Ballymena scored a converted Try.

33 : 17

Kicker turned Try scorer on 57 minutes as Quirkey scored after some wonderful quick hands along the back line.

The wind pushed the conversion attempt just wide of the post.

38 : 17

On the hour mark, Ballymena No. 7 barged through and scored under the posts.

Converted.

38 : 24

The remaining 20 minutes of the match were mostly played in the centre of the pitch, without either side looking like making an

other break through.

F/T

Rock 38 : 24 Ballymena

Thanks to Fergus McGrath for the Report!