RUGBY REVIEW: Academy put an end to Carrick's unbeaten run

Carrick's Ryan McGonigle attempts to break through the Academy defence. INCT 06-022-PSB

The hosts lost their position at the top of Qualifying 2 to Coleraine after they beat Randalstown, although Carrick do have a game in hand.

Academy dominated possession and territory in the early stages and took the lead with a penalty after 10 minutes.

That was all that separated the teams until injury time when Academy doubled their advantage with another penalty.

The visitors were on the front foot in the second session, forcing their way over the line after going through about a dozen phases following a line-out on the Carrick 22.

A Luke Whitall penalty was all Carrick had to show for a spell of possession.

Towards the end Carrick had an opportunity when Andy Kinkaid made 10 metres up to the Academy 22 but, when the ball was moved wide, Reece Hamilton’s cut inside was snuffed out. Carrick finished with a penalty opportunity which would have given them a losing bonus point but Whitall was unable to convert.

Carrick now have a week off before facing Larne at Glynn February 20.

Carrick: M. Black; R. Hamilton, R. Bailey, A. McKinney, B. Alexander; L. Whittal, C. Cambridge; A. Gibney, N. Hanna (R. Williams), J. McIlwaine, A. Kinkaid (Capt), K. McNeil (C. Rea), C. Rodgers, N. Marsden, R. McGonigle.