Seconds keeping firm grip on cup

Seconds keeping firm grip on cup

4 October 2017

IAN Dornan had a strong squad to pick from as his second Xv charges continued their defence of the Junior Cup against a fired-up Instonians.

Will Stewart returned from injury to beef up the midfield and Graeme McKittrick and Zac Cinnamon ped down from the first Xv bench to join Kelvin Hamilton in a strong-looking front row.

The veteran Aaron Ferris continued to provide power from one wing with the elusive Joe Bingham on the other.

Instonians played to their strengths, with their strong back row dominating the early exchanges and they duly took the lead with a penalty after 20 minutes, which was quickly levelled up by a Paddy Wright penalty as ‘Hinch began to get a foothold in the game.

With their forwards under pressure at the set-piece, the dangerous ‘Hinch backs moved the ball wide at every opportunity and eventually worked Ferris into space for the game’s opening try. Wright converted to take ‘Hinch into a 10-3 lead.

The visitors replied with a try from a catch-and-drive, but Wright kicked another penalty just before half time to take his team into a 13-8 lead at the break.

A heated exchange between the forward packs early in the second half saw the referee speak to both captains and the Instonians forwards continued to apply pressure.

‘Hinch weathered the storm to go further ahead with another Wright penalty after 52 minutes, but repeated infringement saw Stewart sin-binned and Instonians kicked the resultant penalty to reduce the arrears to five points at 16-11.

Indiscipline from the visitors cost them 20 metres for some ill-advised back chat and ‘Hinch were able to kick another penalty through Wright to lead 19-11 with 15 minutes to go and back to a full team on the pitch.

As the game entered the last ten minutes further pressure from the visiting pack led to an unconverted try and ‘Hinch lost Wright with an elbow injury.

Instonians sensed the game was there to win and threw everything at the home side. Despite some outstanding defensive work, a penalty was eventually conceded and Instonians levelled the match at 19-all with just two minutes left on the clock.

Extra time looked a certainty but excellent game management from the home side worked them into position for a final chance.

Good work from the pack and a great pass from Chris Gibson gave the experienced James McBriar the chance to drop at goal and he duly split the posts to seal a dramatic victory.

‘Hinch progress to the quarter-finals after a great game and have a lot to work on as they prepare to take on the same opponents in the Conference League on Saturday at Shaw’s Bridge.

Ballynahinch: Kelvin Hamilton, Graeme McKittrick, Zac Cinnamon, Andy Simpson, Matt McKelvey, Josh Donaldson, Conor Phillips, Gareth Gill, Chris Gibson, Ryan Wilson, Joe Bingham, Will Stewart, Paddy Wright, Aaron Ferris, James McBriar. Replacements: Ben Cullen, Rhys O’Donnell.

Ballynahinch II 22

Instonians 19

JUNIOR CUP 2ND ROUND