UCD 26 Ballynahinch 32
Ballynahinch headed to Dublin to take on University College Dublin in their first match of 2014, knowing they had to start they year well to ensure they refined their place in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League. Having played the students and finished above them in Division 1B, a good contest in Dublin was expected.
Ballynahinch received the kick off, playing with a slight breeze at their backs. The first main play of the half came after a great break from Blane McIlroy saw the ball fed to Michael Lawton, whose kick ahead and follow-up tackle on the UCD defender saw the students concede penalty for not releasing. Ritchie Lobb’s first shot at goal just inside the 10m line was successful. 5 mins played, UCD 0 – Ballynahinch 3
Hinch maintained the pressure on the Students with strong running from centres Matthew Arneill and Stuart Morrow causing trouble every time they took the ball forward. After an up and under caused trouble for the UCD defence, David Mcillwaine just missed the foot race to touch down. UCD managed to clear their lines, but the ensuing line out for Hinch was successful and the Students faced more pressure within their own 22 as the Hinch forwards controlled a maul, working the ball up the pitch to see Johnny Madden cross the line for the County Down side’s first score. Lobb successfully converted a difficult kick to see 12 mins played, UCD 0 – Ballynahinch 10……. for the full superb story follow this link http://www.hinchrfc.com/index.php/senior-rugby/first-xv/firstxv-match-reports/279-04-01-14-hinch-triumph-at-ucd
Clogher Valley 3s 5 Evergreens 15
Clem Bassett reports from Fivemiletown
The Evergreens were on the road again and this time travelled up the M1 to play Clogher Valley 3rds, a place in the Quarter finals of the McCambley Cup at stake.
The game was played at Fivemiletown College and after changing in the luxurious facilities they went on the trek to the pitch. A close contest was expected as the home side had been strengthened with a number of under 19s and exiles.
The Evergreens started strongly and the pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by McKelvey. The pressure was maintained but the referees interpretation of the breakdown made it difficult to put all the pressure in to points. Eventually some great driving from Chris Armstrong and Matty Harris resulted in the ball going through the backs and Pete McKee went in for a well taken try which was converted by Richard McKelvey.
Clogher had opportunities to close the deficit but some over ambitious penalty kicks went unconverted………. for the full story follow this link http://www.hinchrfc.com/index.php/senior-rugby/evergreens/match-reports-7/277-04-01-14-evergreens-on-last-eight-of-mccambley-cup
