Bonus point at Con deserved

1 October 2014

BALLYNAHINCH made the long journey to Munster on Saturday to face Cork Constitution in the Ulster Bank League.

The Leesiders took control immediately with a fifth minute penalty from Darragh Lyons, who captained the team in Gerry Hurley’s absence, and winger Jermyn’s converted score followed soon after.

Ballynahinch centre Richard Reaney — who was taking over the kicking duties from the injured Chris Quinn and Ulster-tied Stuart McCloskey — fired over a long range penalty in the 20th minute, but missed three further kickable efforts.

‘Hinch had recovered well after full-back Steve Macauley’s early sin-binning. They remained 10-3 behind at half-time, but reduced the deficit to two points when Macauley cut through for an unconverted try in the 46th minute.

Cork Con stretched their lead to 17-8 when Munster U-20 player Quinlan managed to collect his own kick through to touch down out wide. A Lyons penalty from 40 metres widened the margin to 12 points.

Ballynahinch were back in bonus point territory thanks to a 74th minute try from replacement Ulster prop Kyle McCall, before a Quinlan penalty proved to be the clinching kick for Constitution.

Ballynahinch deservedly got the losing bonus point out of the game though, as Reaney redeemed himself for those earlier misses by landing an injury-time penalty.

Ballynahinch now face Lansdowne at home on Saturday at 2.30pm and all support would be welcomed.

Cork Constitution 23

Ballynahinch 16

ULSTER BANK AIL DIVISION 1A

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