Ballyclare feel pressure to get back to winning ways in semi
BALLYCLARE were unbeaten until two weeks ago but defeats to Crosshaven in the All Ireland Junior Cup (21-10) and, unexpectedly, to Instonians in the Kukri League (19-8) have added extra pressure before they face Enniskillen in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup semi-final this afternoon.
They will be fielding much the same team but still miss the services of front row forwards Ricky Lutton and Dean James through injury.
Coach Mike McKeever feels his side were below par when they recently defeated Enniskillen in a low-scoring encounter (5-0) but he feels this game will be different.
“It is a Cup tie and the incentive is a trip to Kingspan for the final in early January,” he said.
It’s six years since we last played in the final and 18 since we won the trophy for a second time.
“Our loyal supporters are due another visit to Headquarters and with home advantage it is up to the players to do their bit.”
The other semi-final sees Armagh II facing Carrickfergus at Palace Grounds.
Armagh front row John Clarke sustained a leg injury and will be out for four weeks so the experienced Daryl Morton comes in, with Andrew White on the bench.
Captain John Donnan is pleased to have a home draw after three away ties but knows Carrickfergus will be tough.
“Any team that reaches the semi-final of the Junior Cup and overwhelms CIYMS 48-22 last Saturday will be difficult but we are optimistic, especially after the narrow victory over Dromore in the last round,” he said.