Ballynahinch firsts were pipped at the post by Armagh in a top of the table clash by the last kick of the game.
Ballynahinch 21 Armagh 22
Energia Community Series
Saturday 3rd October 2020
James Kirk reports from Ballymacarn Park.
As positive Covid-19 tests laid waste to the rest of the league fixtures, all roads led to Ballymacarn Park for a top of the table clash which was also a repeat of the Senior Cup final won by Armagh with the last act of the game back in March.
The forecast was for awful weather but the rain didn’t arrive with any venom until after the game was completed and the crowd was treated to another excellent free-flowing spectacle.
Brian McLaughlin made a change in midfield with Robin Harte returning to the side allowing the versatile Paddy Wright to move to full-back in the absence of the injured Conor Kelly while to forward pack was bolstered by the return of John Donnan.
Conor Piper continued in the front row with Zac McCall not quite ready for a return from a nagging achilles problem.
The two sides exchanged penalties early on as Ballynahinch edged into a 6-3 lead. The home side looked comfortable with ball in hand and out-half Greg Hutley kicked his team into some threatening positions but formidable Armagh defence and a lack of accuracy stopped them from taking advantage on the scoreboard.
With half-time approaching an Armagh screen pass allowed them to attack the line at pace with backs running at front row forwards.
A line break then got them in behind the scrambling Hinch defence and powerful number 8 Neil Faloon cut back against the covering tackles to score under the posts for a 10-6 lead. Ballynahinch then defended well to go in to the break just four points behind.
The second half was a topsy-turvy affair with enterprising rugby from both sides. A fine Ross Adair touchfinder allowed Ballynahinch to pour on the pressure in the Armagh 22 and after going through the phases Hutley spun an excellent cut-out pass to Aaron Cairns who just about grounded the ball in the corner.
Hutley converted from wideout for a 13-10 lead and were in complete control. Cairns received a nasty blow to the face and from the resultant penalty Ballynahinch perhaps should have kicked themselves further ahead.
However, Paddy Wright went close from an Adair chip and when Bradley Luney was stopped just short after a 40m charge it seemed only a matter of time before this dominance was reflected on the scoreboard.
Armagh then scored completely against the run of play. Ballynahinch allowed them out of their own 22 far too easily and from a simple lineout Ballynahinch were cut open after another line break allowed replacement winger Charlie Worth to score and Armagh to retake the lead by two points.
However, Ballynahinch continued to look the more likely winners. They edged in front with another penalty and following a quick tap from Adair they hammered the Armagh line. Harte and Luney went close before the ball was flashed wide by Adair for replacement winger Ben McMullan to finish well in the corner.
Hutley was just short with the difficult conversion but Armagh needed a converted score to win with just five minutes remaining.
A relieving turnover on their own 22m line gave Ballynahinch the opportunity to put the ball out on halfway and control the final seconds but a crooked lineout allowed Armagh what should have been a last crack at the home line.
A knock-on with a home scrum to come in the final minute should have been game over but a capitulation at the scrum allowed Armagh to drive into home territory and from there everything went wrong for Ballynahinch.
First scrum-half Chris Gibson was binned for slowing the ball down at a ruck and then with Armagh knowing they had to score at the posts to make the winning conversion easier another huge scrum allowed them the chance to drive for the line. Desperate home defence lead to another yellow, this time for Kelvin Hamilton, and an Armagh scrum under the Ballynahinch posts.
From there an undermanned defence was no match for the fired up Armagh forwards and pileup of bodies resulted in a try at the posts.
The conversion won the game with the last kick of the match to send Armagh home with the points.
Despite playing all the enterprising rugby Brian McLaughlin’s charges lost a game they should have won at a canter. Three lapses in concentration undid all their excellent work and they will know that next weekend’s visitors Queen’s will be quick to exploit any mistakes.
Thanks to all the spectators for their patience and co-operation with new protocols. Keep an eye on club social media for the latest updates on the Queen’s fixture.
RFC Rugby Round-up – 03/10/2020
Club Notes
The first big home game under Covid-19 restrictions was well-attended and spectators are to be applauded for their efforts to maintain social distancing and for their compliance with new rules in the bar area.
It was a tough day at the office for Davy Harris and his injury-ravaged seconds as they conceded 50 points in defeat at Armagh.
The sixes had a great win at Newry with Pete Boyd notching a brace and James Scott going over in a 19-12 win.
Youth Training continues at 7.30 on Wednesdays. All players welcome at U12 U14 U16 and U18 levels. No experience necessary. Contact Michael Preston for details on 07702050192.
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 Clifton Quinn – Mini Convenor on 07501228045.
Results 03/10/2020
Ballynahinch 21 City of Armagh 22 (Energia Community Series)
City of Armagh 2 52 Ballynahinch 2 20 (2nd XV League)
Newry 2 12 Ballynahinch 6 19
Fixtures 10/10/2020
Ballynahinch vs Queens (Energia Community Series)
Ballynahinch 2 vs Omagh (2nd XV League)
Dungannon 2 vs Ballynahinch 3 (Provincial League)
CIYMS 2 vs Ballynahinch 5 (Provincial League)
Ballynahinch 6 vs Portadown 4 (Minor League)
Banbridge U14 vs Ballynahinch U14
Banbridge U16 vs Ballynahinch U16
Banbridge U18 vs Ballynahinch U18
