‘Hinch are history makers

‘Hinch are history makers

6 March 2019

BALLYNAHINCH created more history on Saturday by finishing top of the Ulster Intermediate League and gaining promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

An Alex Millar double and an Andrew McIlwaine goal proved enough to ensure ‘Hinch all three points, guaranteeing them a top spot finish with two games remaining. 

As you would expect from a top of the table clash, both teams were up for the fight and rightly so, with the league title up for grabs.

Without a doubt, the two best teams in the league were going at it head-to-head and it wasn’t long for individual battles to start taking shape.

Ballynahinch broke the deadlock through Millar after great link-up play with forward partner Jason Campbell.

Ballymena deservedly responded with a swift counterattack goal to level the score.

The game was end-to-end with both teams looking to go in front, but cometh the hour cometh the man and big game player McIlwaine scored a belter of a goal after Matthew Martin’s through ball found him in in space.

Ballynahinch pushed for a third goal, but couldn’t get break the stern Ballymena stern defence with the score remaining at 2-1. The second half continued to be a feisty affair and a great spectacle for the neutral spectator.

With the lowered sun in Ballynahinch’s eyes, Ballymena did the smart thing and constantly took the high router, creating numerous scoring opportunities for Ballymena. 

Unfortunately, for ‘Hinch, their lead didn’t last too long as Ballymena bounced back with another great counter-attacking goal to make it 2-2.

It was end-to-end stuff, like the first half, the best of the chances falling to Millar, McIlwaine and Campbell only to be denied by the hard-working Ballymena defence and ‘keeper. 

Cards were shown to both sides with William Edgar, Andrew Mulholland and Tim Crean doing time on the sideline. 

Ballymena had decent short corner chances, but were closed down well by Ashley Brown, Rea Coffey and of course Aaron Donnell.

‘Hinch had a few shorts of their own, but couldn’t convert. With 20 minutes remaining on the clock, Ballynahinch patiently played the ball around the back, waiting for an opening.

Ashley Brown’s pass then found the lurking Stuart Hunter in space. Hunter was able to pick out roaming right back Leslie Harrison, who pulled a perfect pass back into Millar and he made no mistake in finding the net.

Ballynahinch could easily have sat back and closed up shop, but they pinned Ballymena into their own half with a series of concerted attacks.

Congratulations to everyone involved with the Ballynahinch men’s team, especially the supporters who never miss a game.

The celebrations were short-lived as Ballynahinch have a huge game this weekend when they face Portrush in Coleraine in the Irish Hockey Challenge semi-final at 2pm.

Ballynahinch: Aaron Donnell, Rea Coffey, Andrew Mulholland (c), Ashley Brown, Leslie Harrison, Matthew Martin, Stuart Hunter, William Edgar,

Tim Crean, Jason Campbell, Alex Millar, Andrew McIlwaine, Luke Curry, Micheal Carney, Josh Higginson, Steven Crean. 

Joint men of the match: Alex Millar and Rea Coffey. 

Ballynahinch 3

Ballymena 2

ULSTER INTER LEAGUE