Ballynahinch cruise control at Harlequins

6 February 2013 - by BY JOHN DICKSON

BALLYNAHINCH made the short journey to Deramore Park, Belfast, on Friday evening in the All-Ireland League and overran third-placed side Harlequins.

‘Hinch had to handle a lively start from the home side, who dominated the opening 10 minutes. Michael Heaney missed a shot at goal after the visitors entered a ruck from the side.

The same player on target to open the scoring in the ninth minute after Michael Graham was slow to release a tackled player on the ground.

This score seemed to stimulate ‘Hinch into life. In the 13th minute Adam Craig collected a wide pass on the right wing and did extremely well to round his opposite number before crossing for the first try, which was converted by Michael Lawton.

Lawton made it 10-3 with a penalty in the 18th minute after Gareth Rourke was penalised for not releasing James Thompson in the tackle, Thompson was having a good evening and his running caused the Quins back row a lot of bother. In the 24th minute he attacked again and this time he had Stuart Morrow in support and he off-loaded to hooker Gavin Armstrong. Armstrong did really well, he made good ground then remained strong in the tackle as he off-loaded to Morrow in close support, the big Hinch centre racing clear to cross for the second try. Lawton once again added the extras to take ‘Hinch 17-3 clear.

The third try came on the half hour mark. This time it was strong running from Roger McBurney that caused the damage as he smashed his way upfield and into the Quins 22.

With the home defence up flat McBurney chipped the ball over the top but as he and the defence attempted to gather the ball to bounced back into the outstretched hand of Robert Greer who did extremely well to keep control of the ball then drive forward and reach for the line to score. Lawton added the extras to give ‘Hinch a 24-3 half-time lead.

The second half was less exciting. Quins started well, but eventually the visitors managed to break clear and relieve the pressure.

In the 60th minute Adam Craig crossed for the important bonus point try. Carrying the ball in two hands, he made the Quins defence twist and turn until he spotted a gap for himself to dive over and score. Lawton missed his first kick of the evening to leave Hinch with a comfortable 29-3 advantage.

The final score came with eight minutes to go, and once again it was great pressure from the Hinch backline that forced Quins into ping the ball. Robin Harte was first to react. He quickly put boot to ball and raced upfield, winning the race to claim the touch down. Lawton added the conversion to complete the scoring.

Elsewhere, Trinity defeated Dungannon in Dublin but failed to score a try bonus point. They still remain in second place, now nine points adrift. UCD have moved up to third place after bonus point win away to Bruff.

This Saturday it’s back to Ulster Senior League action. There are two games remaining, Malone this week and Rainey away on March 9. Hinch sit in pole position, four points ahead of City Of Derry, and need a big home win to keep their title chase going. Malone are in third position 8 points behind with a game in hand. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

Final score: Belfast Harlequins 3 Ballynahinch 36.

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