Ballynahinch RFC firsts enjoy away league win at Rifle Park, Banbridge
League Match, Ulster Premiership,
Venue: Rifle Park, Banbridge,
Date: 9th September 2023,
Final score: Banbridge 15 Ballynahinch 28
Ballynahinch have booked a place in the Stevenson Shield decider after well beating rivals Banbridge at Rifle reports James Kirk.
( All photos by John Dickson / Dickson Digital © )
Ballynahinch cruised to a bonus point victory at derby rivals Banbridge, setting up a winner takes all decider against City of Armagh at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday for the Ulster Premiership title.
They barely got out of second gear against a gutsy Banbridge outfit and the result was still in doubt until a burst of scoring around the hour mark.
But the firsts will be happy to maintain their unbeaten record this season and continue to blood some young players and trial different combinations ahead of the AIL season.
Arthur Johnston and Matthew Sweetlove were partnered at half back and there was a first involvement for summer signing Paul Kerr while Kyle Gill joined Tommy Donnan in the second row.
The unseasonably warm spell of weather certainly left its mark on both teams as they struggled with fluency throughout a patchy first half.
Conor Rankin edged Ballynahinch ahead with a try in the corner and although Banbridge threatened early in the second half with a score to take a one point lead, quickfire tries from Zack McCall, Mark Best and the returning Stephen MacAuley sealed the result and the bonus point.
To their credit, Banbridge battled hard and were rewarded with a consolation try.
Armagh clinched their section with a clinical victory over Malone and the fixture offers a mouth-watering preview to the upcoming battles in AIL Division 1A.
The teams will not be at full strength as the Ulster contingent remain unavailable for selection but the Stevenson Shield is at stake and it is certain to be a full-blown encounter. All support is welcome.
(Photos by John Dickson / Dickson Digital ©)
Ballynahinch 1-20: John Dickson, Josh Hanlon, Harry McCormick, Thomas Donnan, Kyle Gill, Declan Horrox, Stephen Campbell, Callum Irvine, Arthur Johnston, Matthew Sweetlove, Aaron Cairns, Mark Best, Matthew Booth, Stephen MacAuley, Conor Rankin, Claytan Milligan, Kyle MCcall, Zack McCall, Chis Gibson, Paul Kerr.
Ballynahinch RFC Round Up For 9th September 2023
Club Notes
Ballymacarn Park was bathed in sunshine as a bumper crowd turned out to see Ulster take on Connacht on Friday as the pre-season continued for the professional sides.
Thanks to everyone involved in bringing the pro-game to Ballynahinch and to all the volunteers who helped out on a sweltering afternoon.
Ballynahinch Women had a hard fought introduction to their new status in the Womens Premiership as the physicality was clearly up a notch from Championship level.
They earned a creditable draw and will look to build on that with another home fixture this weekend.
There were a number of familiar faces returning to a Ballynahinch jersey after time away as the seconds and fourths recorded big victories on Saturday.
David Nicholson, Justin Rea and Michael Carson were among others returning to the fold and it was great to see them back.
Other veterans in action included James McBriar, Aaron Ferris, Aaron Samuel and Phil Orr. Their experience will be crucial as the season unfolds.
Pre-match lunches are back. To book a place for the Stevenson Shield decider on September 16th contact James Shaw on 07740308051
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 hinchminis@gmail.com.
Results 09/09/2023
Banbridge 15 Ballynahinch 28 QUB 5 (Ulster Premiership)
Ballynahinch 2 53 Rainey 2 14 (2nd XV League)
Cooke 2 17 Ballynahinch 4 42 (Regional East 1)
Ballynahinch Women 10 Dungannon Women 10 (Ulster Premiership)
Fixtures 16/09/2023
Ballynahinch vs City of Armagh (Ulster Premiership)
Banbridge 2 vs Ballynahinch 2 (2nd XV League)
Grosvenor 2 vs Ballynahinch 3 (Provincial Prem 1)
Ballynahinch 5 vs Instonians 4 (Regional South 1)
Ballynahinch Women vs Omagh Women (Women’s Premiership) Sunday 2pm
Ballymena U14/U16/U18 vs Ballynahinch U14/U16/U18
