Still perfect from U-16s

Still perfect from U-16s

21 November 2018

BALLYNAHINCH came out on top in a bruising top of the table encounter with Malone.

Their superior forward power and excellent scrambling defence were able to subdue a very dangerous Malone side in an excellent advertisement for youth rugby. 

Playing with the wind in the first half, Ballynahinch were disappointed with their first half display as they failed to capitalise on the dominance of their forwards at the scrum and breakdown.

Malone managed to disrupt the line-out and close of the supply of quality ball which has characterised the ‘Hinch season so far.

Skipper Matthew Torney was also forced off after ten minutes with a shoulder injury and his calming influence was missed as much as his trademark power game. 

As a result the slightly unsettled home side were guilty of forcing the game a little, leading to handling errors which left them open to counter attack from the excellent Malone back line.

The ‘Hinch back three of full back Ryan Knox and wingers Mark MacAleenan and Brendan McKenna were severely tested, but managed to contain the Malone attacks long enough for the defensive line to reset.

Towards the end of the half Malone found themselves under heavy pressure as the well-drilled Hinch pack went through the phases.

Morgan Croskerey powered over from a five-metre scrum to give his side the lead and they should have gone further ahead when an excellent kick from fly half Dan Hewitt gave them a line-out deep in Malone territory.

Desperate Malone defence led to a penalty and despite the call going in from the sideline to opt for a scrum, a tap penalty was taken and the chance went begging. As a result ‘Hinch turned round into the breeze with just a 5-0 lead.

Having been asked at half time to retain possession into the wind, cut out the 50-50 passes and increase their line speed in defence, the ‘Hinch boys delivered with their best 20 minutes of the season.

Matthew Reynolds came off the bench following his recovery from an elbow injury, giving Harry McCarroll a target in the line-out. Shaun Lin, James McMaster and a fired-up Croskery carried hard into the Malone pack and Philip Crichton and Cameron Patterson cut down the Malone attacks before they could gather pace.

Malone were forced into a rearguard action and James McMaster had a try disallowed for a forward pass before Cameron Patterson ran his usual hard line down the 12 channel following a sustained onslaught from the Hinch forwards to score an excellent team try. Hewitt’s conversion gave the home side a 12-point lead. 

Faced with their first defeat of the season, back came Malone as they attacked from deep at every opportunity.

Scrambling ‘Hinch defence forced a knock on as a try looked certain and the ‘Hinch line remained intact until the last minute when after a wave of attacks Malone scored under the posts.

The conversion left the game in the balance but Croskery put his body on the line to force Malone into touch and the game was won.

‘Hinch maintain their 100% record but suffered a few injuries in a fiercely physical game. The strength of the squad will be tested during a busy December fixture list.