Carrick RFC 55
OLBC RFC 38
Carrick RFC Seniors travelled to Creggs on Sunday to face OLBC in their final league game of the season. Knowing a bonus point win was needed to secure a top 4 finish, guarantee J1C rugby for next season and book their place in the Super 4s with a shot at J1B promotion, Carrick delivered a brilliant attacking display in perfect conditions on the 4G Astro.
Carrick started brightly and were on the board early when Declan Kelly crossed over for the first try, converted by Ruairi King. OLBC hit back straight away, scoring from the restart to level the match. Carrick responded with real purpose, and Sean Hynes powered over moments later, with King adding the extras. Soon after, Ian McGhee made a fantastic break before offloading to Brian King, who touched down under the posts for another converted try. Carrick were well on top and chasing the crucial fourth try, which came through Jack Price after a big break down the field. The conversion was missed, but Carrick kept the pressure on.
OLBC struck back with a clever piece of play to score and narrow the gap, but just before the break, the impressive Daniel Bosquette powered over to leave Carrick leading by five tries to two at halftime.
After the break, Carrick knew they had to keep pushing and Bosquette delivered again, beating three defenders to score under the posts, with King converting. Carrick were relentless, and Peter Lavin was next to get over the line after a strong carry, though the conversion was missed. John Healy then broke down the wing to score in the corner, but again the conversion was just wide.
OLBC refused to go away and grabbed a converted try, but Carrick stayed in control. Lavin scored his second of the afternoon before OLBC rallied with two more tries, one converted, as Carrick briefly lost momentum.
Carrick, though, finished strongly, and fittingly it was Bosquette who sealed the win and his hat-trick with a brilliant break and try under the posts, converted by King.
Carrick now move into the Super 4s and face three away games, starting with Galwegians next Sunday, as they chase promotion.
