I caught up with our friends at Ballyclare High and Dalraida on Saturday morning for a senior schools friendly match on the Rashee Road pitches in Ballyclare. It’s been a while since I covered either of these sides as our Feature Schools have been keeping me busy but I have kept an eye on their results.

Dalriada are reaping the benefit of their successful U16 Schools Trophy run in 2021 and are preparing for a winner takes all showdown with Regent in the Schools Cup Pool F in a couple of weeks, Ballyclare are in the rebuilding phase as a 5th form heavy squad adapt to senior rugby.

However, both sides served up an enjoyable and competitive match with plenty of photo opportunities!

Ballyclare started strongly and had Dalriada pinned in their own half for much of the first quarter. Dalriada defended strongly and the broke out about 18 minutes in for Ben Stewart to open the scoring with a try out wide to give Dalriada a 0 – 5 lead.