With the Branch looking to introduce adjusted age grade matches, for this post lockdown season, it was two comparative younger senior squads that enjoyed an early season hit out at Roughfort as BRA welcomed Ballyclare High to their newly refurbished facilities.

The game was played in three 20 minute periods with the teams changing ends halfway through the 2nd period to ensure all players got an equal opportunity to be photographed on the attack!

The game ended as a 29 – 5 win to BRA but it was much closer in terms of chances, Ballyclare falling on the wrong side of the refereeing decisions on a few occasions.

The first period was a fairly close affair with an early try from Academy’s hooker Peter Richardson the only difference between the teams.

BRA extended their lead in the second period with Oliver Smyth crossing but BHS pulled it back to 10 – 5 with an unconverted try from Austin Martin before the teams changed ends.

Academy pulled away in the second half with tries from Scott Baxter, Ben Dewhurst and Liam Davis, Henry George and Ryan O’Hara converting one each to give a final score of 29 – 5 in Academy’s favour.

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