The Carrick U-16 team were defeated 29-5 by Buccaneers at the weekend.
While this was only a challenge match and a great opportunity for Carrick to test themselves against Division One opposition, the better team won on the day.
On a perfect pitch and in a game played in an excellent spirit throughout, there was absolutely nothing between the teams in the physical stakes. However, Carrick’s penalty count was way too high.
Consequently, Buccs punished Carrick severely by scoring three tries directly as a result of very basic handling errors, repeated missed tackles and a succession of penalties conceded, particularly in the ruck.
Carrick’s awareness at times during the game, but particularly on restarts, was way short of where it needs to be at this level. They just never got a sufficient foothold in the game to put Buccs under any kind of real pressure.
When they finally got into Buccs territory, they were able to show what they are capable of. After an excellent break from another dominant scrum, Carrick found themselves inside the Buccs 22.
A terrific heave by the forwards allied to some strong rucking was rewarded by an excellent try, brilliantly finished off by Fiachra Guckian for this first try of the season.
Carrick were denied two further tries in the second half when two of their front row were held up in identical circumstances over the Buccs line, despite two mammoth efforts by the pack on the five-metre line.
They have an excellent opportunity against Division One outfit, Galway Bay/Galwegians, next Sunday in Carrick to show their true colours.