CARRICK took another massive step toward securing their West Region One status with victory over their local rivals.
With Skipper Ewan Alexander and Ewan McGregor missing from action, Nick Rossi stepped into fly half, Zander Kerr coming in at centre and a starting role for Kenny McCahill at fullback.
As the game kicked off, neither team seemed particularly up f
or the challenge but it was the visitors Millbrae who were first on the scoreboard racing into a 10-point lead early in the first half.
This spurred Carrick into action when hitting back with a try of their own through Rossi, which was converted by Kenny McCahill.
Carrick took inspiration from the score and with the forwards challenging at every opportunity, securing their own ball and turning over Millbrae ball, this provided the backs with good quick balls to work their way into the opposition half with the result being a Carrick penalty which was converted by McCahill with the half ending level at 10-10.
Into the second half Carrick started the strongest with an early score through Rossi stepping his way through the Millbrae defence to score.
The Maybole men continued their efforts, with the forwards providing good quick balls for the backs who were clearly in the mood and had the upperhand and cut through the defensive line which resulted in two further scores from Ross Knight and hat trick man Rossi.
Millbrae hit back with a try of their own, however.
With McCahill scoring a total of 11 points through conversions and penalties, the scoreline stood at 31-15.
With 15 minutes left Carrick dominated the game, with the team putting in a good all-round performance.
In the forwards, there was some excellent counter rucking and scrummaging resulting in two strikes against the head at scrum time securing what should have been a Millbrae ball.
Two forwards in particular had outstanding performances, with Ali McIntosh all over the park involved in every aspect of the game and Stephen Raby performing well at scrum time.
This allowing the go- forward for the backs who looked dangerous at every opportunity with ball in hand.
Yet another deserved win for the Carrick side who continue to fight for their position in West One.
Next scheduled game is away to Stra-thendrick,April 17.
Carrick: 1. Stephen Raby, 2. Chris Reid 3. David Templeton, 4. Michael Paton, 5. Michael Eaglesham, 6. Wullie Wylie, 7. Wullie Deans, 8. Ali McIntosh, 9. Scott Shearlaw, 10. Nick Rossi, 11. Ross Kirk, 12. Zander Kerr, 13. Ross Knight, 14. Frazer Thompson, 15. Kenny McCahill. Sub John Anderson.
