The Maxol-sponsored Carrick 1st XV lost their Boxing Day derby against Ballyclare at Tom Simms Memorial Park by 19 points to 6, a result which leaves Carrick in sixth place in the League but moves Ballyclare level on points with Instonians at the top. However, both Instonians and third placed Enniskillen have a game in hand.

Despite dominating in the scrum, the somewhat under-strength Carrick side was under pressure for much of the game and, not for the first time, gave away too many penalties. Ballyclare converted three penalties in the first half to lead by 9 points to nil at the interval. They sealed the game with a converted try in the second half, Carrick’s only response being an unconverted try by second row Chris Rodgers.

Carrick do not have a game this Saturday and return to action with the away fixture against Ballyclare on Saturday 7th January.

This Saturday we will be showing Rangers v Celtic live on the multi screens at the club – we will also be running 4 pints for £10 during the match from 11.30 am