Ballyclare ease through to face Randalstown

RIVER Rock Towns’ Cup holders Ballyclare had an easier than expected 31-14 victory over Ballynahinch II to earn a quarter-final home draw against Randalstown.

Coach Mike Orchin-McKeever who had earlier seen his Ballyclare High pipped by Rainey Endowed 15-12 in the Schools’ Cup thought his squad put in a superb performance.

“A couple of well finished plays led to tries and I was pleased with the effort in defence,” he said.

“The Towns’ Cup success last season gave the club a real occasion and something we want more of at Ballyclare.”

Ballyclare started strongly and dominated the first half to lead 26-0 at the interval.

They never allowed their opponents to settle with four tries in that period the first by Michael Kirk who ran through a defender.

Centre Robbie Reid cut through for the second and added the conversion before a piercing back move resulted in winger Owen Kirk crossing. A mis-pass by Niall Lawther allowed left winger Kirk to add his second with the last two being goaled.

Hinch eventually gelled when Joe Bingham crashed over from 10 metres out for Hilton Gibbons to add the points.

Ballyclare were rotating their back line and their fifth try followed when Joel McBride attacked from deep to score.Hinch were rewarded whenthey grabbed a converted try.

Elsewhere, Clogher Valley, who have contested five finals and won three in the past nine seasons, overpowered Limavady 32-10.

In the other tie Dromore eliminated Banbridge II 26-6. Quarter-finals (February 23): Clogher Valley v Portadown, Enniskillen v Ballymena II, Armagh II v Dromore, Ballyclare v Randalstown.