Finals weekend roundup for Ballynahinch RFC
There were mixed fortunes for Ballynahinch as they completed the season with three finals. Pride of place went to the 5th XV who defeated a very physical Ballymena side to retain the McCambley Cup and avenge their defeat to the same opponents two years ago writes James Kirk.
Despite going behind early on they handled the hot conditions well and scored tries through Conor Piper, Mark McCormick, Matthew Arniel, Aaron Ferris and skipper James McBriar to win comfortably and return the cup to the Ballymacarn Park trophy cabinet.
The 4th XV’s quest for a league and cup double was thwarted again as they came unstuck against a very strong Academy side in the Forster Cup final.
They took an early lead through skipper Mike Evans but three unanswered academy tries took the game away from them.
A brilliant Simon Jackson score gave them hope but Academy kept the scoreboard moving with three penalties and despite a late surge with another Evans try they ran out of time.
Jonny Shannon’s 3rd XV travelled to Omagh for the Crawford Plate final and competed well against a strong home side.
The first quarter of the match was very close with Harry Daniel crossing for a try but by half time Omagh had established a lead and they showed no mercy in the second half with a second Hinch try a mere consolation.
The thirds have had a brilliant second half of the season and can be very proud of their achievements.
