There were two matches played on Saturday at Ballymacarn Park – Ballynahinch v Garryowen in the final round of the AIL, and Ballynahinch 3’s v Dungannon 2’s, playing for the league title writes Richard Hart.
A huge supporter based turned out to help the men in Green and Blue raise their game on Saturday and with over 185 booked in for lunch, the Players’ Awards and the Annual Car Draw drawn, there was a jam packed day’s entertainment for the Ballymacarn faithful and visitors alike, particularly in celebrating an incredible performance form the 1st and 3rd XV!!
Ballynahinch 2’s mid-week match against Malone 2’s was conceded by the visitors, who were surprisingly, unable to field a team.
Hitch 3’s took on a strong Dungannon 2’s on the bottom pitch and after a tight affair, came away the victors and League Winners, making it a double winning season for them and Captain Mark McCormick.
Hitch 4’s headed to Chambers Park in Portadown to play a very strong Omagh 2’s in the Crawford Plate Final, but although they came close, ended up as the runners up on the day 24-18.
Hitch 5’s travelled to Mallusk to take on Academy 2s in the final game of the season and came away winners to round out an excellent season – 27-13. There is now a two week wait to see if Harlequins 4’s can win their last two games and potentially win the title. Fingers crossed!!
The annual Player’s Awards were held after the incredible win by the 1st XV along with a Hog Roast and followed by the Annual Club Car Draw had for an excellent evening at Ballymacarn Park.
The Prize Winners rom the Draw are:
Prize winners:
Car – James English
£500 – David Napier
£300 – Chris Napier
£100 – Laura Smith
£100 – Gillian Murphy
Brunel’s Voucher – Heather Edgar
Champagne – John Crosby
Box of Wine – Mark McCormick
Mini Rugby at Ballynahinch RFC returns on Saturday 23rd April 2016. David Black is the Mini Convenor and is contactable on – 07760919094. Details about Mini Rugby are posted weekly on the Club Facebook page –
https://www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial?ref=aymt_homepage_panel or via the Club website:
Ballynahinch RFC is running a fundraising Lotto. There was no main prize winner this week, the 1st Prize rolls over again and is now £3,250 (increasing by £50 if not won). Please support the Club in its fundraising activities by supporting this enterprise. Tickets are available online at:
https://www.clublottery.com/Club/Details/20
The next home All Ireland match takes place on Saturday 23rd April and sees Ballynahinch 1st XV host Buccaneers RFC in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League play-off and a pre-match lunch will be held. Regular pre-match attendees and those wishing to book a place are asked to contact Mervyn Boyd on – 07794744716. Those who cannot make the lunch are asked to come along and support this vital All Ireland play-off match.
Fixtures Saturday 23rd April
Ballynahinch v Buccaneers
CIYMS 2 v Ballynahinch 4
Evergreens v PSNI 2
Results Saturday 16th April
Ballynahinch 59 Garryowen 5 – UBL
Ballynahinch 3’s 18 Dungannon 2’s 6
Omagh 2’s 22 Ballynahinch 4’s 16
Academy 2’s 13 Ballynahinch 5’s 27.
