One point defeat for Ballynahinch

One point defeat for Ballynahinch

24 February 2016

YOUNG Munster dug deep to see off Ballynahinch’s challenge on a 7-6 scoreline at Tom Clifford Park in Limerick on Saturday. 

With further poor weather conditions through the week, Young Munster left it very late to confirm whether the match would be played at their home ground or at a back-up venue in Dooradoyle.

Third-placed Young Munster have opened up a nine-point lead on Garryowen, who currently hold the fourth and final play-off place, after their match last week against Galwegians and David Corkery’s side sit just three points off the top of Division 1A.

Young Munster had to work very hard to beat the ‘Hinch where, despite the strong wind, an attritional game of rugby was fought out in ever-worsening conditions.

‘Hinch were first to have the wind at their backs and penalties by winger Chris Quinn after four  and 24 minutes had them in front.

Even though they were down to 14 men for a spell, they ferociously held onto 

their 6-0 advantage up to half-time.

Young Munster started the second half with the wind at their backs and it took just nine minutes after a series of close-in scrums, the Limerick City side were awarded a penalty try which out half Gearoid Lyons converted.

The home side, who also had a player sin-binned, were unable to add to their tally in what turned out to be a real dogfight, fought in good spirit to the bitter end as ‘Hinch consistently tried to broach a dogged home defence.

Ballynahinch coach Derek Suffern was very complimentary of his players and was delighted with how well they had played in very difficult conditions.

He was particularly pleased how close they had come to winning through the huge commitment they had shown on the pitch.

Ballynahinch: Manihera Eden, Chris Quinn, Jordan Grattan, Robin Harte, Aaron Cairns, James McBriar, Paul Rowley, Craig Trenier, Andrew Harper, Jonny Simpson, John Donnan, Jonny Madden, Conor Joyce, Paul Pritchard (captain), Mike Graham.

Young Munster 7

Ballynahinch 6

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE