Ballyclare 'maturity' key to thrilling AIL comeback success

“Absolutely hell of a game for £10 for the neutral supporter to come and watch, I truthfully can't recall a time that I've been that far down in the game and come back to win it,” said Orchin-McKeever. “We were 35 points down after 25 minutes.

“Well done to the boys and the maturity of Jack Gamble's leadership...rather than panic, the group showed great maturity, we got it back to 35-19 at half-time.

“What was the difference? Probably the composure and the reaction to being down rather than the complacency of being up, whether it's home comforts or the pressure and stress being off or the resilience of the group to react.

“I'd only put it down to Jack Gamble's leadership and maybe being assisted with the maturity and the experiences of Joel McBride in the background to assist him while Jack moved into No8.”

Despite trailing by a huge margin Orchin-McKeever never gave up hope.

“I think whenever we were three tries down, it really wasn't looking good but as they went further down, I firmly believe that Bective looked as if they were actually looking a bit fatigued and they had conditions in their favour,” he said. “I knew we would have that in the second half...it was a matter of trying to instil some confidence.

"The players did it themselves...they have confidence in each other, the camaraderie and connection of the group off the field and built over years is what makes you grind in and work together that bit more.

“It very quickly went to 42-19 just into the second half, but composure once again from Alex Darragh at out half, he controlled territory intelligently.

“He managed the game and put the players into the right areas of the park.”

The win put Ballyclare nine points clear of the relegation play-off zone with four games to go.

“I think, truthfully, after being 35-0 down towards the end of a game, either team could have won by five points,” he said. “Both would have reflected to bring a scoreline back as close...both teams would have said fantastic game, well battled.

“I think there's plenty for us to reflect on, the attacking quality was excellent but there's probably a greater consistency in game management across the full match as needed.

“The resilience shown to close out the contest has shifted so significantly, it speaks volumes to the character within the squad...Joel McBride picking up a hat-trick, Jack Milton getting the man-of-the-match Alex Darragh's direction and the leadership of Jack Gamble was superb. It's an exciting win and huge thanks to our supporters.”

Belfast Harlequins are in the relegation play-off place after a narrow home defeat for Thomond.

Ballynahinch fell to eighth in Division 1A after a 52-22 defeat at Terenure.

It was a bad day for Ulster’s Division 1B clubs – with Instonians, City of Armagh and Queen’s all losing.

In 2A, Dungannon and Ballymena enjoyed victories but Banbridge were defeated.

Malone enjoyed at 52-31 at Skerries in 2B but Clogher Valley and Rainey both lost.