BALLYNAHINCH completed an historic treble in Dublin on Saturday and in the process retained the Irish Hockey Challenge Cup for the second year running.
The eagerly-awaited game started at frantic speed with both teams going all out for the opening goal.
To the disappointment of the travelling fans, it was the Limerick side that took the lead.
They say you’re most vulnerable when you just score and, thankfully Ballynahinch levelled within a minute of the restart, scoring through vice-captain Matthew Martin after a skilful run and quality finish.
The game was end to end. Limerick had a few half chances, but couldn’t convert. ‘Hinch had chances of their own, including Alex Millar’s reverse shot which flew inches wide of the net.
Millar was in the thick of it again minutes later. This time Stuart Hunter’s driving run from midfield found Millar open in the circle. He slipped the ball to the energetic Scott Leetch, who calmly slotted the ball into the goal to make it 2-1.
Limerick fought back and got themselves another goal before the half -time interval to make it 2-2.
After the restart the game had settled slightly and Ballynahinch started to get into a pattern of maintaining the ball effectively.
With that, ‘Hinch were racking up the short corners, seven were won, but for some excellent defending and goalkeeping kept them at bay.
With 13 minutes to go Ballynahinch took the lead again, this time through William Edgar.
A few minutes later a piece of brilliance from Edgar made it 4-2 after a superb solo run matched with a spectacular finish.
As expected, Limerick flooded men forward along with countless aerial passes, making it difficult for ‘Hinch to get out of their half.
Limerick pulled one back with a short corner routine with five minutes remaining, but Ballynahinch had the ability to see out the game and lift the trophy for the third time in the club’s history.
A big thank you to all the supporters that spurred the men on in Dublin on Saturday, it was very much appreciated. A special mention to chairman Michael Mulholland for organising the transport to the final.
Ballynahinch: Aaron Donnell, Rea Coffey, Ashley Brown, Leslie Harrison,Andrew Mulholland (capt), William Edgar, Stuart Hunter, Matthew Martin, Alex Millar, Jason Campbell, Scott Leetch, Luke Curry, Michael Carney, Steven Crean, David Marshall, Josh Higginson.
Man of the match: William Edgar.
Ballynahinch 4
Limerick 3
IRISH HOCKEY CHALLENGE CUP FINAL