Weather fails to dampen Toon's spirit

RugbySATURDAY saw Ballymoney travel to Barban Hill, Dromore, in unfavourable conditions for the flowing rugby we have come to expect from the team. The men from The Toon would not be disheartened by the weather and emerged as victors 24-16 although neither side were able to show their true potential under the poor conditions.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Sep 2010, 12:22 BST

The game kicked off and early handling errors resulted in scrums making up the majority of the initial collisions on the pitch. In recent years Ballymoney have struggled to hold their own against the larger Dromore pack but the experience has gathered within the front row and the contest up front was evenly matched; both teams piling the pressure on at every scrum.

It was not a day for line outs and neither side could get to grips with a greasy ball. Ballymoney were not able to impose themselves on the Dromore side as they normally do with sides which allowed Dromore to take their first points of the day through a catch and drive from a line out deep within the Ballymoney 22 metre line.

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Ballymoney were able to get the scoreboard ticking over through the boot of James Cleland scoring a total of 9 points on the day. Other points came from an ambitious drop goal from scrum half Scoot Nelson, who when under pressure from encroaching defenders just outside the opponents 22, slotted one between the post.

Ballymoney got their first try of the game from good work at a lineout allowing Jonny Hanna to cross the line with ease from the same move that allowed him to score only 2 weeks ago.

Dromore replied with some consistent pressure from their pack and eventually worked their way into the Ballymoney 22. Controlled attack from Dromore and over zealous defensive work saw Dromore cross for a try that Ballymoney were kicking themselves about.

The game got into the last 10 minutes and both sides were edgey and looking to put the game to bed. Ballymoney did when they sustained pressure deep in the opponents' 22. The forwards gathered and retained possession time after time and eventually their efforts were rewarded through a try from Flanker Andrew Surgenor.

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Captain Nelson commented: "Being from Dromore, I knew how tough a game this was going to be. They are a side that never lie down.

"I am happy that we got a win but there are things which we must work on before we face Coleraine in two weeks."

Related topics:DromoreWeather