‘Hinch off to a flyer

‘Hinch off to a flyer

21 September 2016

WARM and sunny conditions greeted the players and supporters for Ballynahinch’s opening clash of the 2016/2017 Ulster Bank All Ireland League.

The underestimated home side produced a storming second half display to run out comprehensive 35-13 winners over Buccaneers.

Four of ‘Hinch’s five converted tries came in the closing 40 minutes, including a brace from Ulster’s Sam Windsor who started at inside centre and became more accomplished in the position as the game progressed.

Derek Suffern’s charges had 22 points to spare when the sides met in last April’s relegation/promotion play-offs, but a tight first half on Saturday ended 7-0 in the hosts’ favour.

The usually reliable Chris Quinn missed a penalty before having to be replaced on the wing by Jonny McPhilips at the end of the half.

Buccs were not without their chances and only a try-saving tackle from ‘Hinch No 10 Ross Carlisle kept the visitors at bay.

In an unusual turn of play, the referee was treated by the physios just before half-time as he got a little too close to the action, but was able to carry on after some minor treatment.

Returning full back Steve McCauley crossed before half-time. Chris Quinn’s conversion kept the ‘Hinch in front after Connacht prospect Cian Romaine replied for Buccs early in the second period.

‘Hinch gave themselves some breathing space thanks to a Conor Joyce effort, following an initial break by No 8 and captain Mike Graham. Jonny McPhilips showed his kicking ability by slotting over a difficult conversion.

Aaron Cairns was unlucky to have a try disallowed after some hard work — the referee decreed that he had made a double movement to cross the line.

An error-strewn spell was ended by Windsor’s first try of the afternoon, cancelling out a Conor McKeon penalty, and Hinch’s bonus point score was soon finished off by centre Jordan Grattan, rewarding an excellent carry from the restart by replacement Joe Roe, with McPhillips adding the extras.

Connor Phillips replaced the hard working Conor Joyce and again made a very useful impact in the loose. This is a player to watch this season as he gets more comfortable in the open side flanker role.

Former Connacht back Shane Layden and Windsor swapped late tries, with Ireland U-20 out-half Johnny McPhillips, who has moved from Queen’s University to Hinch, nailing his fourth successful conversion.

This weekend’s trip to UL Bohemians in Limerick will test ‘Hinch’s mettle, but this was a solid start their AIL campaign.

Ballynahinch: Steve Macauley, Davy Nicholson, Jordan Grattan, Sam Windsor, Chris Quinn, Ross Carlisle, Aaron Cairns, Jonny Blair, Andrew Harper, Craig Trenier, James Simpson, John Donnan, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow, Mike Graham (capt). Replacements: Stuart Orr, Joe Roe, Connor Phillips, Johnny McPhilips, Chris Gibson.

Buccaneers: Shane Layden, Rory O’Connor, Alan Gaughan, Mata Fifita, Jordan Conroy, Luke Carty, Conor McKeon, Martin Staunton, Shane Delahunt, Saba Meunargia, Ruairi Byrne, Cian Romaine, Stephen McVeigh, Evan Galvin, Kolo Kiripati (capt). Replacements: John Sutton, Dylan Quinn, James Foley, Graham Lynch, Eoghan O’Reilly.

Ballynahinch scorers: tries, Steve McCauley, Conor Joyce, Sam Windsor (2), Jordan Grattan; conversions, Chris Quinn, Johnny McPhillips (4).

Buccaneers scorers: tries, Cian Romaine, Shane Layden; penalty, Conor McKeon.