‘Hinch are denied by last-gasp defending

‘Hinch are denied by last-gasp defending

12 February 2025

SHORN of their Ulster contingent by the mid-season friendly with Queensland Reds at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night and with cup fixtures for the rest of the adult teams, Ballynahinch were stretched to the limit as they took to the field against Lansdowne.

That they went toe to toe with the most heavily resourced team in the AIL and were within a couple of metres from the winning score at the end of 80 energy-sapping minutes says much for the quality of the squad, the input of the coaching team and the never-say-die play for the badge mentality of everyone involved.

Mark Best returned from a concussion to take his place in midfield alongside George Pringle with Paul Kerr at out half. Up front, Kelvin Hamilton continued to deputise at hooker for Claytan Milligan, while skipper Bradley Luney continues in his favoured position of No 8.

The game proved to be extremely entertaining and a superb advert for the AIL as the lead changed hands throughout.

Ballynahinch made a slow start and when Lansdowne scored almost unchallenged from a line-out drive, the situation looked ominous. However, the home side gathered themselves and repelled the next wave of Lansdowne attack before scoring two excellent tries.

Conor Rankin dotted down a superb chip over the top by Mark Best and then Luney finished a break from the outstanding Rankin to take his side into the lead.

Lansdowne replied before half-time with another forward try and Ballynahinch also lost the services of winger Ronan Patterson with a nasty ankle injury. They were further disrupted by a yellow card as Lansdowne piled on the pressure before the interval.

The Dublin giants scored again through powerful their second row off the back of a dominant scrum and Ballynahinch looked in serious trouble.

They managed to regain a foothold in the game and battled back upfield to take the lead from a close range score by replacement lock Kyle Gill, only for Lansdowne to return the compliment with a score under the posts after a defensive lapse from the home side. 

During the final 15 minutes Ballynahinch threw everything at their opponents and with a little more composure in the red zone would have retaken the lead.

As the clock ticked down Lansdowne seemed to have weathered the storm as they won a relieving penalty and camped in the home 22. 

Deep into injury time, Ballynahinch attacked from their own line and won a penalty themselves to get as far as half way.

Fifteen phases later Zack McCall was stopped just short of the winning try in the corner as the Lansdowne scramble defence were able to force a penalty and kick the ball out to seal victory.

Adam Craig can be proud of his team, but a quick glance at the results indicates that a win on Saturday would have put Ballynahinch right back into the mix for the semi-final places. Victory at bottom side Garryowen is crucial this weekend.

All support welcome in Limerick.

Ballynahinch (1-20): Matthew Burke, Kelvin Hamilton, John Dickson, Will Hopes, Ronan McCusker, Declan Horrox, Zack McCall, Bradley Luney (capt), Chris Gibson, Paul Kerr, Ethan Graham, Mark Best, George Pringle, Ronan Patterson, Conor Rankin, Will Alexander, Harry McCormick, Kyle Gill, Peter Heasley, Matthew Booth, Rhuari Meharg.