Ballynahinch hit Instonians hard in opening game

29 August 2012

AFTER weeks of tough pre-season training the new rugby season finally got underway for Ballynahinch when they travelled to Shaw’s Bridge to play Instonians in the first round of the Ulster Senior League.

A few new faces made their debut for the ‘Hinch. On the wing was Michael Lawton who joined the club from Dungannon. Lawton has an exceptional skills set, he can play on the wing and at fullback and is a recognised goal kicker.

Paul Pritchard joined the ‘Hinch from Ballymena and he brings a wealth of experience to the back row where he plays at open side. In the front row Jamie Wilkinson made his first start at tight head — he has joined from the University of Ulster at Coleraine.

Matthew Connolly has moved up to the senior ranks from the U-19s and he started in the second row along with the experienced Chris Napier.

It didn’t take the visitors long to settle as Stuart Morrow blasted over close to the posts for the opening try with just two minutes played. New signing Lawton converted to take the Hinch seven points clear.

Despite having an abundance of possession the Hinch failed to press home the advantage gained and Paddy Irwin pulled three points back for Instonians after the ‘Hinch defence was penalised for straying offside in midfield.

Hinch broke through in the 31st minute when young Matthew Connolly made a tremendous break up the left wing into the Inst 22 where he gave a great off-load to Michael Lawton in close support. Lawton had to fend off the attentions of Richard Fegan and he did very well to reach for the line to score. Harry McAleese attempted the conversion while Lawton recovered from his efforts but his kick went wide.

In the 38th minute Harry McAleese was yellow-carded for hands in the ruck. Inst opted to run the ball but great tackling from Lawton and Adam Craig prevented any score.

In the final minute Irwin landed his second penalty goal to close the half with the Hinch leading 12-6.

When the match restarted Hinch caught Instonians cold,. With two minutes played, a quick tap penalty from Cairns made good ground, then another quick tap from Andrew Harper was flashed wide to Aaron Ferris who crossed to dot down for the third Hinch try. Lawton converted the extras to take the score to 19-6.

The try of the game came in the 54th minute. A high ball was fielded by Lawton who counter attacked feeding inside to Adam Craig. Not for the first time the Hinch full back made a great break, running from his own 22 he was stopped inside the Inst 22. The quick ball was released to Harry McAleese who put in a perfect chip for James Thompson to gather and touch down for the bonus point try which went unconverted.

Another great run from Craig in the 65th minute set up try number five. As Instonians scrambled to defend their line quick ball found the hands of James Thompson at pace, and the Hinch centre did well to cross at the left hand corner flag. Lawton converted from the touchline to make it 31-6.

David McGuigan was yellow-carded in the 68th minute for using his hands in a ruck, but despite being reduced to 14 men the Hinch ran in a sixth try in the 72nd minute when another fine attack from Lawton, Morrow, Craig and Thompson resulted in a penalty five metres from the Instonians line. A quick tap from Cairns found hooker Andrew Harper and he smashed his way over for an unconverted try.

Inst managed a consolation try in the final minute and Irwin hit an excellent conversion from the touchline as Ballynahinch ran out with a bonus point win.

Ballynahinch: 1 Chris Stevenson, 2 Andrew Harper, 3 Jamie Wilkinson, 4 Matthew Connolly, 5 Chris Napier, 6 Robert Greer, 7 Paul Pritchard, 8 David McGuigan, 9 Aaron Cairns, 10 Harry McAleese, 11 Aaron Ferris, 12 James Thompson, 13 Stuart Morrow, 14 Michael Lawton, 15 Adam Craig.

Man of the match: Adam Craig.

Instonians 13

Ballynahinch 36

ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE

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