Ballynahinch lose out to Cork aces

2 October 2013

IT was a historic day for Ballynahinch on Saturday when they took to the field at Ballymacarn Park to face Cork Constitution in the first Ulster Bank League Division 1A game of the season.

As pressure on the visitors’ line mounted Con infringed and Richie Lobb gave the home side a three-point lead with a well struck penalty in the sixth minute. ‘Hinch continued to control play from the restart and Lobb landed a second penalty in the 13th minute.

Con continued to mount pressure and eventually the home side conceded a penalty which was converted by full back Daryl Lyons.

The visitors maintained their pressure and kept ‘Hinch pinned in the 22 until they created an opening on the left wing in the 29th minute and second row Shane O’Connor did well to score in the left corner despite the efforts of David McIlwaine. Lyons added the extras to make it 10-6.

Lobb missed a long-range penalty attempt in the 40th minute before Lyons converted an easy attempt in the third minute of injury time to give the visitors a 13-6 half-time lead.

Con made a perfect start to the second half when Lyons pushed his side a further three points clear with a converted penalty from the touchline just two minutes after the restart.

The Munster side gave a master class on ball presentation and retention. ‘Hinch found it very difficult to get any meaningful possession and field position. Lyons missed a penalty attempt in the 58th minute.

In the 60th minute good first phase possession released Lobb, McBurney and Morrow on the attack and Aaron Ferris beat Con full back Daryl Lyons into the left corner to score

Ballynahinch’s first try in Division 1A.

Lobb failed to add the extras, but the Hinch had fought their way back into the contest with 20 minutes remaining.

Five minutes later, the visitors stretched their lead when out half Johnny Holland converted a penalty to make the score 19-11. Two minutes later David McIlwaine converted a penalty for ‘Hinch to bring the deficit back to five points.

Holland was unlucky with a penalty attempt in the 70th minute, his effort hitting the right hand upright.

‘Hinch lifted their game as they pressed for victory. Kyle McCall had a charge for the line in the 74th minute but was held out and Con infringed in front of their posts. Lobb landed the penalty to take the score to 19-17.

From the restart the Munster side showed their experience at this level as they took control of the game in the final minutes and prevented the Ulster men getting any possession. Play concentrated deep in the ‘Hinch half of the field and in the third minute of injury time out half Johnny Holland spotted a gap in the home defensive line and dived over to score.

Ballymacarn Park held its breath as Holland attempted to convert to prevent Ballynahinch getting a losing bonus point. Holland’s kick at goal drifted wide and the final whistle blew.

Cork Con are a quality side and were impressive, especially with their control at the breakdown. Hinch can take plenty of positives from their opening game. Their scrum and line-out worked well and at times they showed some of their form from last season. They were also within three points of victory with 5 minutes remaining and they fully deserved their losing bonus point.

This week will be another big test as the team travel to Limerick to play Young Munster.

Ballynahinch: R. McBurney, D. McIlwaine, S. Morrow, R. Harte, A. Ferris, R. Lobb, A. Cairns, N. Faloon, P. Pritchard, J. Donaldson, M. Graham, J. Madden, M. Cromie, J. Murphy, P. McAllister. Replacements: J. McBriar, M. Arneill, J. McMullan, K. McCall, A. Harper.

Cork Constitution: D. Lyons, R. Jermyn, L. Duffy, N. Kennelly, C. Quinn, J. Holland, G. Hurley, W. Ryan, J. Ryan, G. Lawlor, J. McSwiney, S. O’Connor, G. Sweeney, A. O’Driscoll, B. Cagney. Replacements: C. O’Donnell, J. Rochford, C. O’Flaherty, L. Cahill, C. Quinn.

Ballynahinch 17

Cork Constitution 24

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIV. 1A

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