Graham’s boys look like kings

Graham’s boys look like kings

18 January 2012

CATCH us if you can — that’s the message Ballynahinch sent out to their Senior Two title rivals last weekend following another impressive performance.

Mark Graham’s men maintained their five point lead at the top of the table and there looks no to be no stopping the locals who didn’t have to move out of third gear to pick up yet another win.

Ballynahinch will take nothing for granted and are acutely aware that there are no trophies handed out until the end of the season. But if someone was to engrave their name on the league trophy right now they wouldn’t be sacked for getting it wrong.

Skipper Graham knows that things can change quickly in sport, but his side have nothing to fear over the coming weeks and the players are experienced enough to treat none of their forthcoming opponents lightly.

Last Saturday, the locals were still missing David Ross but young Scott Leitch, who has been drafted in to replace him, once again played well and capped another fine performance with a goal.

Ballynahinch may only have scored three goals over the 70 minutes, but once the third went in they were content to sit back and play possession hockey. The home defence was never under any pressure and goalkeeper Mark Brown had one of those days when he just wasn’t needed.

For the first 15 minutes, Ballynahinch were all over Ballymena like a rash; they were quicker to the ball, sharper in the tackle and much more potent in front of goal.

The home side forced three penalty corners in the first 15 minutes while Ballymena rarely made an appearance in the Ballynahinch penalty area.

The home side got off to the perfect start when Andy McIlwaine continued his rich vein of scoring form when he netted in the sixth minute.

Leitch was the architect of the goal. His scintillating run left defenders in his wake and when he carried the ball along the by-line he pulled it back for Leslie Harrison to pick out his captain who slipped the ball to McIlwaine who rifled home.

Alex Millar went on one his marauding runs from his full back berth minutes later with his subsequent reverse stick shot well saved by the Ballymena ‘keeper.

Three minutes later Ballynahinch led 2-0 with another goal created by dangerman Millar who exchanged passes with Stuart Hunter before the former picked out his captain who managed to divert the ball into the path of brother Gary who produced a powerful finish. The locals continued to press but had to be content with their two goal advantage at the break.

Ballymena showed no attacking intent at the start of the second half and Ballynahinch were keen to play the ball among themselves and allow the visitors to retain possession in their own half.

Gary Graham went close with a reverse stick drive and then Harrison saw his shot saved before a goal-bound shot from Ashley Brown struck a defender on the ankle.

With 10 minutes to go Ballynahinch scored to make it 3-0 with a cracking team goal. Harrison played the ball along the back to Grant Hayes who pushed it right to Millar. He fed Hunter who in turn picked out Leitch who fed the ball back to the midfielder. Hunter swept the ball to Gary Graham who then fed McIlwaine who played the ball to Leitch who had continued his run and produced a sweet finish to make it 3-0.

This weekend it’s Omagh and then it’s Down at St. Colman’s High School as the Ballynahinch juggernaut rolls on effortlessly towards the league title.

Ballynahinch 3

Ballymena 0

SENIOR 2