Ballynahinch 1sts enjoy win over Malone
Malone 0 Ballynahinch 17.
Ulster Premiership.
James Kirk reports.
Ballynahinch made it two wins from two this season but will again be disappointed with the margin of victory as a bonus point was squandered in a game they dominated from the opening whistle.
Conditions were poor at a very wet Gibson Park and the locals struggled to finish some very promising attacking play.
New signing Mark Best, back in Ulster after playing professionally in England with Jersey Reds and Doncaster Knights, made his Ballynahinch debut in midfield alongside George Pringle.
The back row was reshuffled in the wake of a probable season-ending injury for the desperately unlucky Gareth Gill and hip surgery for Callum Irvine.
The impressive Jamie McCartney started at number 8 with Bradley Luney and Thomas Martin on the flanks.
Manager Adam Craig will feel that his side should have been out of sight by the end of the first quarter.
However, a succession of knock-ons meant that the game was a disjointed affair with too many scrums.
It took Ballynahinch half-an-hour to get on the scoresheet with a try from McCartney.
Pierce Crow slotted the conversion and when Bradley Luney added a second try before half-time, again converted by Crow.
The travelling support thought their team were nailed on for a bonus point victory.
Despite continued domination of possession and territory, stout Malone defence held Ballynahinch to just one unconverted try from Crow in the second half.
The Belfast outfit defended a strong Ballynahinch maul very effectively and Ballynahinch had to be content with four points. They are at home for the first time this season on Saturday with Armagh the visitors to Ballymacarn Park.
Ballynahinch 1-20: J Dickson, C Milligan, H McCormick, T Donnan (Captain), M Connolly, B Luney, T Martin, J McCartney, C McAuley, R Wilson, A Cairns, M Best, G Pringle, R Patterson, P Crow, D Cooper, C Piper, S Campbell, R Meharg, R Butler.
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Ballynahinch RFC Round-up – 03/09/2022
Club Notes
It’s a triple header vs Armagh on Saturday. The senior side is at home in the Ulster Premiership and the seconds and thirds travelling to the Palace Grounds to play their Armagh counterparts.
There is also a first outing of the season for the 4s as they travel to Harlequins.
The 2nd XV couldn’t follow up their excellent victory over Ballymena as they lost 29-14 at home to a more experienced Rainey 2nd XV side.
Davy Harris fielded a an almost U21 lineup and will hope to add some experience to the side before a tough trip to Armagh this weekend.
Youth Training continues on Mondays at 7pm for boys and Wednesdays at 7pm for girls.
All players U12/U14/U16/U18 welcome and no experience necessary. Contact Clifton Quinn for details on 07501228045.
Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year.
Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial.
For more details contact David Martin – Mini Convenor on 07837944892 or email:
Pre-match lunches are back this weekend with the first home fixture of the season. Contact James Shaw for details on 07740308051.
Details of how to purchase a full selection of Hinch merchandise can be found on our social media outlets and on the club app.
Results 03/09/2022
Malone 0 Ballynahinch 17 (Ulster Premiership)
Ballynahinch 2 14 Rainey 2 29 (2nd XV Premiership)
Fixtures 10/09/2022
Ballynahinch vs Armagh (Ulster Premiership)
Armagh 2 vs Ballynahinch 2 (2nd XV Premiership)
Armagh 3 vs Ballynahinch 3 (Provincial Premiership 1)
Harlequins 3 vs Ballynahinch 4 (Provincial East 1)
