Ballymena U18s progressed through to the semi-final of the Ulster Carpets Cup on Saturday with a comprehensive win over a combined Ballynahinch/Cooke team.
The visitors had all the early territory and possession and tested out Ballymena’s defence several times. However, Ballymena took the lead on 14 minutes when hooker Ben Millar made a line break and crashed over the line, James Orr converting the try for the home side to lead 7-0. Harry Young extended the lead on 22 minutes with a lovely kick chase along the left wing which took the flying winger from his own half to the Hinch line, touching down in the corner.
However, the visitors struck back on the stroke of half time, just rewards for their play and the teams went to the break at 14-7 to Ballymena.
The second half was a more one-sided affair with Ballymena dominant, Adam Crabbe scoring an early try, the second row diving over the line following a clean line break. Front row Noah Carson added to the tally with a strong drive at the line from close range to extend the lead to 24-7.
Ballymena were now in flow and a well worked line out move saw captain James Lynne storming to the try line to further stretch the lead, and Sam Craig added a penalty kick towards the end of the game to make the final score 34-4.
Ballymena will now play City of Derry in the semi-final on 29 March.
