‘Hinch stay on top

‘Hinch stay on top

9 January 2013

THIS clash was always going to be a lot closer than most people thought.

Malone had set the early pace in the league at a time when they could field their strongest team, especially with Ulster out half Niall O’Connor in their line-up.

The opening score came in the seventh minute when Blane McIlroy had a kick charged down by O’Connor on the ‘Hinch 10 metre line. John Creighton picked up the loose ball and raced into open space putting Chris Leathem clear to dive over in the corner.

O’Connor failed to convert, but the game restarted with a penalty to Malone because of a late challenge on Leathem by Roger McBurney as the Malone winger crossed to score.

O’Connor’s effort drifted right of the posts leaving the home side with an early five point advantage. Disaster struck again for the ‘Hinch when in the 12th minute a speculative box kick from Creighton was allowed to bounce into touch by Adam Craig, but when the ball hit the ground it took a different path and the freakish bounce saw it cross the ‘Hinch line for the chasing Michael Barker to pounce on the ball to score. O’Connor failed to convert giving Malone a comfortable 10-0 lead.

In the 19th minute the Red Socks struck again to complete a remarkable opening quarter. O’Connor kicked into the right hand corner to set up the catch and drive. The ball was secured from touch and James McAllister was driven over for the try, which went unconverted to leave Malone 15 points clear.

It was a better second quarter from ‘Hinch and they finished the half with a well-worked score in the 37th minute. Play was driven into the Malone 22 led by a charging James Simpson, with Chris Napier, Josh Donaldson, Jonny Simpson and Rob Greer picking and driving play forward.

Malone infringed on several occasions and a quick tap from McIlroy in front of the posts was flashed left to find skipper Chris Stevenson on the wing.

The big loose head did extremely well to fend off the Malone defence then twist his way over to ground the ball for a try. Quinn missed the conversion to leave the ‘Hinch trailing at the interval, 15-5.

‘Hinch managed to maintain their level of competitiveness, with their pack playing with a much greater intensity driving the ball deep into the Malone 22 in the 46th minute.

‘Hinch worked the ball trough a number of phases then flashed it wide where Adam Craig forced his way over the line at the posts assisted by McBurney. Quinn added the extras to bring the visitors right back into the contest now trailing Malone 15-12.

In the 64th minute Quinn landed the vital three points to tie the game when he hit a long-range penalty goal after Malone had strayed offside at a ruck. With 15 minutes left to play the game was very much in the balance.

Both sides had periods of pressure and chances to secure victory, perhaps the best opportunity fell to Chris Quinn, with three minutes to play he beat Leathem on the outside on halfway and headed for the line. Malone full back Taylor Acheson came across to challenge Quinn, but as he changed direction he lost his footing on the muddy ground and the chance to score was missed.

Thanks to their victory over City of Derry at Judge’s Road, ‘Hinch now are four points clear at the top of the Ulster Senior League with three fixtures remaining — Queen’s this weekend at Ballymacarn Park, Malone at home on February 9 and finally Rainey away on March 12.

Ballynahinch: Roger McBurney, Adam Craig, Stuart Morrow, Robin Harte, Chris Quinn, James Thompson, Blane McIlroy, Neil Faloon, Josh Donaldson, Robert Greer, James Simpson, Chris Napier, Jonny Simpson, Andrew Harper, Chris Stevenson. Replacements: Aaron Ferris, Gavin Armstrong, Jonny Madden, Michael Lawton, Andy Irwin.

Malone 15

Ballynahinch 15

ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE