Ballynahinch RFC Round Up and Women’s Match Report For 25th November 2023
Club Notes
Ballynahinch Women took centre stage over the weekend with a five try bonus point victory over Harlequins which left them 5th in the Women’s Premiership table.
Despite a lengthy injury list, they continue to compete well in a league which has three teams way out in front in terms of depth and quality.
They have battled through a tough recent fixture list and after visiting leaders Malone this weekend have a run of fixtures which will give them the opportunity to consolidate their position just behind the leading clubs.
More and more young players are coming through and the experience gained will be crucial going forward.
Ballynahinch Ladies XV vs Belfast Harlequins Ladies XV,
Sunday 26th November,
KO: 2pm,
Ballymacarn Park, Ballynahinch.
In wet windy conditions, Hinch ladies hosted a strong Belfast Harlequins side for a return match fixture.
Harlequins got the game started, kicking the ball deep into the Hinch half. It was a physical contest from the beginning, both teams making dominant tackles and forward runs.
It was Hinch that opened the scoring in the first half with a try in the corner from Rachel Morton (12).
Amy Brady (1) soon doubled the Hinch lead with a strong drive from a penalty, taking the score to 10-0.
As the first half drew to a close, Hinch continued to put pressure on the Harlequin defence, eventually seeing Rachel Morton (12) over the line for her second of the day, third for Hinch.
With the last play of the half, Hinch managed to squeeze one more try in from a solo run from Paige Smyth (15), plus conversion from Shel Laffin (10) giving Hinch a 22-0 advantage going into the second half.
Both teams came out strong in the second half, with Hinch securing a fifth try through Paige Smyth (15) and conversion from Shel Laffin (10) extending the lead to 29-0.
The strong contest continued in the middle of the park for the remainder of the game.
It was Harlequins who got the final say of the game with 2 tries, finishing the game at 29-12 to the Hinch ladies.
The 2nds and 4ths had big away victories to consolidate their league positions while 1st XV head coach Adam Craig was denied his first appearance of the season as the 5th XV fixture on Friday night was conceded by Lisburn.
Pre-match lunches are filling up fast. Young Munster on 9th December and Armagh on 13th January are now SOLD OUT. There is a bonus lunch on 23rd December for the Senior Cup fixture vs Instonians for those who missed out. To book a place contact James Shaw on 07740308051
For more details contact David Martin – Mini Convenor on 07837944892 or email hinchminis@gmail.com.
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.
Results 25/11/2023
Ballynahinch 29 Belfast Harlequins 12 (Women’s Premiership)
Malone 2 26 Ballynahinch 2 59 (2nd XV league)
Ballyclare 3 14 Ballynahinch 4 29 (Provincial Regional East 1)
Fixtures 02/12/2023
UCD vs Ballynahinch (AIL Division 1A)
Malone vs Ballynahinch (Women’s Premiership)
Ballymena 2 vs Ballynahinch 2 (2nd XV League)
Ballynahinch 3 vs Armagh 3 (Provincial Prem 1)
Cooke 3 vs Ballynahinch 5 (Regional South 1) Weds 7.30pm
Banbridge U14 vs Ballynahinch U14 (Provincial East)
Ballyclare U16/U18 vs Ballynahinch U16/U18 (Provincial East)
