Nutty Krust Tournament Ballynahinch U18’s v Portadown U18’s Wednesday 22nd March 2017
The second of this season’s Group B games got underway in the Nutty Krust U18 Tournament under the floodlights at a very wet and windy Chambers Park when Ballynahinch U18’s and Portadown U18’s played on Wednesday evening. The Ballynahinch U18 team recorded a well contested 55-12 victory with the scoreboard having led 19-5 in their favour at the break. A sizeable crowd had gathered to watch an entertaining game which featured quite a few talented players on both teams. Among the group watching the game was Jonny Gillespie, the Ulster Rugby Talent ID Manager.
The Ballynahinch team started the game well and quickly adapted to the dreadful weather conditions. Thirteen minutes into the game Nikki Woods opened the scoring for the Ballynahinch team with a try, which was converted by James Smith, to give his team a 7-0 lead. The Portadown team responded positively and five minutes later Brett Flack outwitted the Ballynahinch defence before finishing off with an unconverted try in the corner which reduced the arrears to 7-5. Ballynahinch responded with a Ryan Malley try, which James Smith converted, to extend their lead to 14-5. This became 19-5 just before the interval when Baillie O’Connor gathered a chip and chase kick to finish off with an unconverted try.
The Portadown team displayed great commitment with players such as Stewart Hodgen and Brett Flack getting through a lot of work. However, there was little they could do to prevent Dylan Johnston rumbling over for a try, which James Smith converted, to pout the Ballynahinch team into a 26-5 lead. Shortly after that good work from Jamie Smith led to a try from Ciaran Cairns. Jamie obliged with the conversion to see the Ballynahinch team into an unassailable 33-5 lead. John Martin then took full advantage of quick thinking from Baillie O’Connor and finished off a fine move with a try. James Smith converted the try to increase the Ballynahinch lead to 40-5. Portadown got some reward for their positive approach to the game when Stewart Hodgen touched down for a try, which Brett Flack converted, to see the score board reading 40-12 in favour of Ballynahinch Jake Bennett, Matthew Millar and John Martin then scored three unconverted tries in quick succession in the last seven minutes against a tiring Portadown defence to leave the Ballynahinch team as deserved 55-12 winners..
As usual with the Nutty Krust Tournament the players all received a post-match meal which was sponsored by Jim Hewitt Meats, prepared by the staff in “Scrummies” kitchen and organised by the ever present Sid Rowe. All players, as well as their coaches, received a Nutty Krust loaf on departure.
Brian Irwin, Chairman of Irwin’s Bakery and sponsor of the Nutty Krust Tournament then presented the impressive Ballynahinch No 10, Baillie O’Connor, with the Nutty Krust “Man of the Match Award” at the post match ceremony.
The last of the Group C games in the 2017 Nutty Krust Tournament will see Armagh U18’s play Omagh U18’s at 7-45pm on Wednesday 29th March under the Chambers Park floodlights. All supporters will be made to feel very welcome.
