Last gasp try seals Toon win

Ballymoney rose to the occasion and kept their successful run of away games going.

The final score of 19-15 reflects the competitive nature of the game and had it not been for a last minute try from the Ballymoney men, they wouldn't have been smiling the whole way home.

The day was perfect for a running rugby game but the physical nature of the Clogher Forward pack dictated early encounters of the game. Like last week against Cooke Ballymoney were caught napping and conceded an early try to give Clogher an early headstart.

The majority of the first half Clogher were keen to pile on the pressure and dictate the game.

Two further tries from the home side went unanswered. Dispite this the Ballymoney men kept their composure and battled hard in set piece and ruck situations. A few good breaks by Chris Beverland in the Centre and Chris Watson on the wing were the best chances of the half.

The second half was more competitive and the Balymoney side upped their game a little and came away with some points. The first points of the half came straight off the training pitch when from a secure line out ball and a well worked back move.

Full cack James Cleland was able to draw his man and offload the ball to winger Chris Watson to score almost below the posts.

The second try came from a spell of pressure in the opposition 22.

Ballymoney forwards pushed hard and drew in the oppositions backs which created space for MArtin Irwin make a break and offload to Keith Thompson to score and take the points tally to 14-15 for the last 20 minutes of the game.

The game was finely balanced and the nerves were obvious from both sides. The men from the Toon continued to pile the pressure on and their superior fitness was beginning to tell. Clogher were unable to deal with the high pace that Ballymoney played with in the last minutes of the game and allowed Jason Taggart to show the skills he has been showing for almost two decades now when he made a break through the Clogher centres, side stepped and crossed the home sides line in the dieing moments of the game to win the game 19-15

Captain James Cleland said "We are extremely happy to win away from home at Clogher, it is one of the hardest places to come and win."

Ballymoney would also like to mention the importance of this Saturday coming to the club.

This Saturday three Ballymoney sides have three huge games.

The Club first XV play Rainey 2s in the Towns Cup, the club’s successful U17 side play Monaghan in their play off games at 11.30 in the morning and Dalriada School travel to BRA to compete in the next round of the Schools cup.

In light of this the club will not be putting on a lunch, there will instead be a finger buffet from 12.30pm onwards in the club.

The cost will be 5 per head and everyone is welcome, so wether your coming to Kilraughts Road to support the Toon men or on your way home from Belfast on the crest of a wave feel free to stop in for some good food, craic and as ever a great atmosphere.