It was celebration time at Ballymacarn Park as Hinch clinched the Stevenson Shield with two narrow victories over the Christmas period.
Despite a raft of injuries and unavailability Hinch did just enough in defeating Banbridge at Rifle Park by 21 points to 10 to set up a winner takes all showdown at home to Malone. Having safely negotiated injured lock forward James Simpson’s wedding the night before, the men in green turned on the power in the second half to score 18 unanswered points and deny Malone a bonus point with a 21-13 victory.
Skipper Aaron Cairns received the trophy from club chairman Philip Gregg in his role as Junior Vice-President of the Ulster Branch and a large holiday crowd were on hand to celebrate.
Ballynahinch 2nds go for Junior Cup hat trick.
Hinch 2nd XV take on Dromore on Wednesday 2nd January at the Kingspan Stadium as they aim for an unprecedented 3rd consecutive Junior Cup victory.
Former Hinch skipper Johnny Cullen is the head coach at Dromore and they defeated pacesetters Ballyclare to close the gap to just two points in the race for the Ulster Rugby Championship crown.
The Hinch men have been in mixed form this season but will be hoping their substantial recent cup pedigree can give them an edge over a Dromore side making their first appearance in a showpiece final for many years.
Cullen’s presence will add spice to what is already a feisty looking derby fixture and all support will be welcome for the game which kicks off at 7 30pm.
Arthur Gibson is the Spence Cup recipient 2018
An emotional Arthur Gibson was the deserving recipient of the Spence Cup for 2018.
The award, presented by the Spence family in memory of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence who tragically lost their lives in a farm accident in 2012, is presented annually to a club volunteer who has served the club with distinction over many years.
Arthur played his first game for Ballynahinch in 1957 and played in the great cup winning sides of the sixties.
One of a select band of volunteers to hold the triple crown of the highest offices of the club, Arthuramely club captain, chairman and president.
Arthur can still be seen on a Saturday afternoon doing laps of the pitch to calm his nerves during a tight match.
He accepted the award with his customary humility and good grace and continues to represent everything that is great about the values of Ballynahinch RFC. Congratulations Arthur!
