Ballyclare High and Campbell College battled out an entertaining schools friendly match on a misty Saturday morning at Rashee Road with Campbell edging the game 7 – 14.
The match was a big step up in terms of quality from last week’s outings as the schools continue their return from 18 months of no competitive sports .
Ballyclare dominated territory and possession in a tense first half but Campbell always looked dangerous out wide and the visitors should have taken an early lead when they broke clear down the left wing only for the ball to be fumbled over the line.
Ballyclare had one disallowed, shortly after, for a forward pass but, aside from those efforts, defences were well on top, in a first half full of big hits, and the teams turned round with the score at 0 – 0.
Campbell saw more of the ball in the second half and they looked dangerous when they spread it wide. Winger Matthew Booth finally got a touchdown in the third quarter, the Campbell player quickest to react when the ball was knocked out of his hands close to the line. Peter Caves added the conversion to give Campbell a 0 – 7 lead.
Ballyclare came storming back and they had Campbell under pressure for the next 10 minutes but they were unable to find the line and Campbells impressive No 8 Daniel Graham was able to finish off a break upfield with the visitors second try. Caves added the extras and Campbell lead 0 – 14.
The home side continued to push for a score and with over 15 minutes left they were still well in the game. However it took them until the final minutes to get over the line with Owen Warren crashing over. Callum Cochrane added the extras to give a final score of Ballyclare 7 Campbell 14.
