Queen’s teach ‘Hinch lesson

Queen’s teach ‘Hinch lesson

18 December 2013

BALLYNAHINCH and Queen’s University produced an enthralling First Trust Senior Cup Final at Ravenhill last Wednesday night with the students eventually prevailing.

Queen’s started the stronger and managed to force a number of penalties, two of which resulted in missed attempts at goal for out half Ritchie McMaster.

The opening period also saw ‘Hinch number 8 Neil Faloon sin binned for a late shoulder charge, but the students were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Instead it was ‘Hinch who looked the more dangerous. The first real try scoring opportunity came on the 14 minute mark when Aaron Ferris knocked on two metres from the line after a fine counterattack involving captain Stuart Morrow and Jonny Madden.

Following a sustained period of pressure in the Queen’s 22, Ferris did open the scoring shortly after when he beat full back Damon Hall to the corner flag following good interplay from his forwards and backs.

‘Hinch full back Richie Lobb failed to add the extras from the left hand touchline.

Queen’s drew level almost immediately with a try from Stewart McIlwaine. Damon Hall was the creator as his searing outside break was followed by a neat inside pass to his supporting skipper. McMaster was unable to convert to leave the score tied at five points apiece.

The response from ‘Hinch was equally as swift. Right wing Matthew Arneill crossing after a sweetly executed back line move involving good hands from Harry McAleese, Ferris and Morrow. Lobb’s conversion attempt hit the post, but his side now led 10-5.

Queen’s scored their second unconverted try seven minutes from the break when the elusive Hall produced another piece of magic. His electric foot work committed several defenders before scrum half Conor Spence released Michael McAuley to slide in on the left hand side to leave the sides level at the break.

‘Hinch needed a big half, but their discipline under referee Mark Patton was to prove to be their downfall. McMaster pushed the students in front for the first time when he converted one of two penalty attempts early in the second half.

Try scoring opportunities were limited in the third quarter as most of the match was played out in the middle of the park.

The over officious Patton then yellow carded Harry McAleese for not releasing the ball when tackled just some 60 seconds after Queens had committed two similar offences within a minute.

McMaster then added another three pointer 15 minutes from the end to extend the lead to 16-10.

As ‘Hinch pushed for a late try, Queen’s outside centre Chris Colvin was yellow carded for cynical play with two minutes left on the clock.

The final five minutes was concentrated under the Queen’s posts with the ‘Hinch opting to drive the ball under the posts to claim a dramatic win.

As the clock ticked down it was the wrong tactic to use as the students defended with great determination. With the power of the ‘Hinch pack and against 14 men a rolling maul would have been impossible to stop, but it was not to be and Queen’s held on to claim a well earned victory.

Ballynahinch. 10

Queen’s University 16

ULSTER SENIOR CUP FINAL