Ballynahinch’s Ravenhill date is secured after win

Ballynahinch’s Ravenhill date is secured after win

20 November 2013

A WELCOME break from All-Ireland League action saw Ballynahinch travel to Judges Road on Saturday for the First Trust Ulster Senior Cup semi-final against City of Derry.

The weather conditions deteriorated once the game got underway with incessant rain throughout driven across the field by a strong breeze.

The standard of play and commitment from both teams despite the conditions was impressive throughout as the game ebbed and flowed and the result was in doubt until the final whistle.

Derry started with a nice rhythm and flow to their play and were rewarded on four minutes when Adam Bratton made a strong break down the left side and passed to the mercurial Simon Logue who skinned two men before being stopped.

Neil Burns switched play right to find full back William McCleery, who released right winger Josh Lewis who cleverly beat the last man to touch down in the corner for an excellent team try. Neil Burns converted and Derry were 7-0 in front.

Derry were playing well, but were caught out in the 12th minute when they moved the ball along their back line, only to have Hinch skipper Stuart Morrow intercept. He found his fellow centre Jordan Gratton on his shoulder with a pass out the back door to run in for a try. Ritchie Lobb added the extras to make it 7-7.

‘Hinch gained in confidence and their off-loading was a joy to watch as they created a second try in the 16th minute. They won a line-out against the throw 30 metres out and Morrow again combined with out half Harry McAleese to put Toby Manus through for a well executed try. Lobb once again converted and Hinch were in front by 14-7.

Derry stifled a sustained ‘Hinch attack on their line in the 20th minute when their front row of Stephen Jefferson, David Ferguson and Sam Duffy turned over the ball to allow scrum half Andrew Semple to clear his line.

The interpretation around the tackle area at the breakdown was frustrating, as it has been on many occasions during the season. Derry were penalised for a shoulder tackle in the 25th minute and lost Stephen Ferguson to the bin. Lobb kicked the penalty from 30 metres and ‘Hinch now led 17-7.

Derry were down to 13 men on 30 minutes when Stephen Jefferson was also dismissed to the bin for a breakdown infringement. Derry worked hard and survived to the break without conceding again.

The weather had deteriorated further as the second half started but Derry were on top and Burns kicked a great penalty from 40 metres in the 42nd minute to close the gap.

Lobb kicked a penalty in the 51st minute for ‘Hinch from 30 metres after Derry went offside at the breakdown. The Derry men suffered a further setback a minute later when they lost second row David Houston with an ankle injury.

Derry had the territorial advantage now and Simon Logue, the rejuvenated William McCleery, former ‘Hinch man Adam Bratton and Josh Lewis always looked dangerous.

Derry won a kickable penalty 30 metres out in the 58th minute but elected to kick for touch. David Ferguson found Richard Baird beautifully in the line-out 10 metres out and a powerful forward drive with the backs joining in saw David Ferguson touch down for an unconverted try. Derry were right back in the game.

The tie remained in the balance throughout the final quarter and both teams had chances to clinch the result but great defensive displays created stalemate.

‘Hinch finally clinched their appearance in the final in the last minute when Richie Lobb kicked a great penalty from 40 metres to end a terrific performance from both teams.

The final at Ravenhill on Wednesday, December 11, will be against Queen’s, who defeated Banbridge 21-7 at the weekend.

City of Derry 15

Ballynahinch 23

ULSTER SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL