Craig hat-trick is tonic for ‘Hinch’s promotion hopes

7 November 2012

BALLYNAHINCH were in Dublin for the second weekend in a row, this time they faced Blackrock College, the first meeting between both clubs in any competition.

The ‘Hinch opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a well worked try which was started by Aaron Ferris with Robin Harte continuing the attack before putting Chris Quinn clear to score. Quinn added the extras to give the ‘Hinch a 7-0 lead.

Quinn was the playmaker in the 18th minute when he beat his man on the outside and sprinted clear from 60 metres then gave a perfectly timed pass inside to Adam Craig, who ran in under the posts to score. Quinn again added the extras to take ‘Hinch 14 points clear.

College came back strongly in the 22nd minute and when Paul Pritchard was yellow carded at a line out, the home side took

full advantage and prop Colin Phillips was driven over for an unconverted try to close the gap to 14-5.

In the 26th minute it was case of déjà vu as Chris Quinn rounded his man then made great ground up field putting full back Craig through for his second try of the afternoon. Quinn converted to make it 21-5.

‘Hinch continued to pressure the home defence and quick ball in the 39th minute gave Quinn an opening, which he sailed through to grab the bonus point try.

Quinn again added the extras to take ‘Hinch 28-5 clear.

Quinn’s hat-trick came in injury time as his sheer pace left the College defence flatfooted and he beat the last man to score. He added the extras to leave the tally at half-time 5-35 to the County Down men.

With the game effectively over the ‘Hinch made a slow start to the second half allowing College to build some momentum and gain decent field position with Des Dillon crashing over under the posts for his side’s second try. Godfrey added the extras to make it 35-12.

The visitors wasted no time in hitting back with two tries in two minutes.

The first was scored by full back Adam Craig who completed his hat-trick, and the second was scored by winger Aaron Ferris who ran in from his own half of the field.

Both tries went unconverted taking ‘Hinch 45-12 clear.

In the 50th minute the home side crossed for their third try thanks to the efforts of winger Mark Scott Lennon, Godfrey adding the extras to take the score to 45-19.

The ‘Hinch had the final say when Michael Lawton rounded off a good days work to beat the last College defender and touch down under the posts. He added the extras to complete the scoring 52-19 to the Ulster side.

As a result of this victory in Dublin and Malone’s defeat at Gibson Park it means that ‘Hinch now go top of Division 1B.

This week is a big Friday night lights”feature at Ballymacarn Park kicking off at 7.30pm.

Paddy Johns’ Dungannon will provide the toughest of opposition in what is sure to be a cracking local derby.

As well as the big game at the club, after the match the big draw will be made for over £10,000 worth of prizes which features a first prize of £5,000, so make sure you have your ticket bought and are at Ballymacarn Park for a fantastic night.

Blackrock College 19

Ballynahinch 52

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B

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