RUGBY: Ballyclare edged out by powerful Clogher side
Andrew Butler, Willie Logan and Robert Smith (two) were the try scorers, with Smith adding a penalty, while Gary Clotworthy slotted over a conversion.
A pushover try got Clogher off to a fine start, but it was cancelled out when winger Butler out-paced the defence to make it 5-5.
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Hide AdClogher nosed back in front from a rolling maul, but a Smith penalty closed the half-time gap to 12-8.
The visitors extended their lead with another try, but Ballyclare forged ahead for the first time with Logan’s unconverted score. Michael Rainey then set up Smith to cross for a score that put Ballyclare 18-17 ahead.
Clogher secured their bonus point with a fourth touchdown to lead 22-18, only for Smith to clinch a home bonus point with Clotworthy adding the extras.
A home win was on the cards but Clogher’s powerhouse front eight had the final say when a scrum led to the winning try.
Man of the Match: Willie Rea.