Kingspan is beckoning once more

Kingspan is beckoning once more

23 November 2016

BALLYNAHINCH reached the First Trust Senior Cup final for the fourth year running when they beat an in-form Banbridge in Saturday’s semi-final at Rifle Park.

‘Hinch started brightly, but an penalty attempt from Quinn sailed wide. The opening exchanges where frantic and error-ridden as would have been expected with a Co Down derby. 

‘Hinch moved into a 3-0 lead when Quinn converted another penalty opportunity. More points followed when a maul that was moving towards the Banbridge try line was brought down illegally and the outcome was a penalty try, which was converted by Quinn converted. 

‘Hinch began to threaten more with Simpson and Orr making notable yards with strong carries.

Quinn made no mistake when he got another penalty opportunity before the break to make it 13-0.

In the final play of the half Banbridge got back into the game when ‘Hinch spilled possession and the loose ball was gathered by the home side who moved it through several sets of hands to Andy Morrison, who ran in from 40 yards. Half-time: Banbridge 5 Ballynahinch 13.

The visitors were the stronger of the two sides at the start of the second half and a delicate McBriar chip was gathered by McCauley, who drew the cover defence to pass back to McBriar who had the pace to run in. Quinn added the extras and the score was 20-5. 

‘Hinch continued to make line breaks into the Bann half, but on too many occasions the final pass didn’t go to hand and Banbridge managed to clear their lines.

After 60 minutes the forwards went through a number of phases before the ball was moved to Will Stewart who sold a dummy to go in for a score. Quinn again kicked the conversion. 

Ten minutes later Lorcan Dow powered over from close range. The conversion was missed, but Hinch had secured their place in final for the fourth year in a row with a 32-5 victory.

This Saturday sees a huge day at Ballymacarn Park as Ballymena travel to play Hinch in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League and Portadown travel to play the seconds in a Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup semi-final. Pre-match lunch places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Ballynahinch: Stephen McCauley, Chris Orr, Jordan Grattan, Davy Nicholson, Chris Quinn, James McBriar, Chris Gibson, Stuart Orr, Jonny Murphy, Craig Trenier, James Simpson, Mike Graham (capt), Gareth Gill, Keith Dickson, Lorcan Dow. Replacements: Andrew Harper, Chris Stevenson, Connor Phillips, Kenny Morton, Willie Stewart.