Malone defeated Ballynahinch in the second match of this season’s Nutty Krust Floodlit Tournament at Chambers Park on Wednesday night. The high quality of rugby on display reflected the present status of these two U 19 teams who were involved in the Ulster U 19 League play off recently.
Ballynahinch opened strongly as they sought revenge for their play off defeat at the hands of Malone. Playing fast open rugby ‘Hinch made use of good early possession to threaten the Malone line as first their right wing, Eamon Mc Nulty, was stopped just short then, when ball was recycled quickly they moved it across to left wing Jason Barr to score. However the try was disallowed for a forward pass.
Pictures:
Irwin’s Nutty Krust Rugby Floodlit Tournament U19 Rugby Round 1 – Malone v Ballynahinch
Malone captain Johnny Ogibly accepts the man of the mach award on behalf of winner Ben Uprichard fron Mr Brian Irwin, chairman of the competition sponsors, Irwin’s Bakery, following his team’s 10-3 win over Ballynahinch in the first round of the 2011 Nutty Krust Floodlit tournament at Chambers Park, Portadown. Malone will now face Portadown in the second round on 13th April 2011.
This gave Malone the opportunity to clear their lines. Both sides were intent on using the ball and playing open, running rugby and Malone were rewarded for their enterprise when they were awarded a penalty in a kickable position but unfortunately for them out half Tim Durkin was unable to convert. Ballynahinch’s attempted clearance fell into the hands of Malone’s pacey left wing, Jack Mc Murtrty, who took play up to the Ballynahinch goal line. Quickly recycled ball led to Ulster U 18 centre Jay Malcolm crashing over for what turned out to be the only try of the game. Out half Durkin added the points to ease Malone into a 7-0 lead and it stayed that way until half time.
Ballynahinch started the second half in similar fashion to the first threatening the Malone line for the opening minutes. Their backs, benefitting from the slick service of scrum half Johnny Murdock caused panic in the Malone defence in the open stages of the half. However the well organised Malone defence ensured that the line was not crossed and Ballynahinch had to settle for a penalty converted by out half Johnny Rea which narrowed the gap to 7-3
Malone’s response was immediate as good continuity saw them test the Ballynahinch defence line. Replacement Nathan Rankin, along with number 8 Johnny Ogilby and flanker Zack Devine were particularly prominent. All the pressure saw ‘Hinch infringe and out half Tim Durkin punished them as he converted a penalty, for offside in mid field, to once again extend Malone’s lead. From the restart Malone sealed possession again and, orchestrated by scrum half Ben Uprichard, they set up further attacks one of which led to an easy penalty chance but fortunately for Ballynahinch out half Durkin failed to convert this.
However this miss only served to spur Malone on as Man of the Match, Ben Uprichard, centre Jay Malcolm, and back rowers Johnny Ogilby and Zack Devine made inroads into a resolute Ballynahinch defence. Despite their best efforts Malone were unable to add to their score leaving them as 10-3 winners in what had been an absorbing contest.
Stand out players for Ballynahinch on the night were No 8 Keith Dickson, prop Gary Spence and scrum half Johnny Murdock whilst Malone were well served by centre Jay Malcolm, number 8 Johnny Ogilby, flanker Zack Devine and Man of the match, Ben Uprichard.
Malone now meet Portadown U 19s in the quarter final on Wednesday 13 April. Next week there are two first round matches:
On Tues night Larne face a combined Armagh/Monaghan team in a 7.45 p.m. kick off whilst on Wednesday night two new sides, Instonians and Dundalk, do battle to see who will progress to the quarter finals.
