2nd XV v Ballymena 4

Monday, 14 September 2009 15:25

Academy 2nds, with skipper P.Jackson, kicked-off their 09/10 league campaign with an away fixture against Ballymena 4ths. In the early exchanges, Ballymena were slightly dominant in the scrums, while Academy had the edge at the lineout.
P.Ross broke the deadlock with a penalty (0-3,  12 mins), whilst fullback S.McCarthy returned a defensive clearance kick for the opening try (0-8,  16 mins). Winger G.Davis added a second, after another good run by S.McCarthy (0-15, 20 mins).
Ballymena tried to keep in contention, and after a couple of quick tap penalties, they kicked for a 5m lineout. Academy stopped, as the throw was crooked, leaving Ballymena to score unopposed (5-15,  29 mins).
Academy rounded the half off, with the backs and forwards combining (even the prop forwards exhibited slick handling skills), for wing forward P.Ross to score
(5-20, halftime).

Academy’s superior fitness was very evident in the second half, scoring a futher six unanswered tries (5-54, fulltime).

A good team performance, gives an encouraging start for the new season and just reward for those players committed to pre-season training.

The Observer.