Despite a second half fight back from Inishowen, Ballynahinch managed to hold on to claim the Butler Shield by 15 – 13 in an exciting match at Ravenhill on Saturday afternoon.
Ballynahinch took early advantage of the strong wind gusting down Ravenhill with Adrian Dodd slotting an early penalty to lead 3 – 0.
Inishowen replied with a penalty through Karl Diver bringing the score to 3 – 3.
Hinch controlled the rest of the first half with right wing Janusz McNeill grabbing a brace of tries in the corner, Adrian Dodd converted one to bring the halftime score to 15 – 3.
Inishowen hit back straight after the re-start with Diver adding his second penalty to close the gap to 15 – 6 and when Michael Harkin blasted over for a try, converted by Diver, with ten minutes to go the small but vocal crowd were ensured an exciting finish with the score now reading 15 – 13.
The tension built as Inishowen tried to force their way down field for a match winning penalty but the Hinch defence stood firm and they were able to close out the game for a hard fought 15 -13 victory.
Hinch Squad: Carl Larkin, Janusz McNeill, David Turley, Rammy Jordan, Mark Magowan, George Shaw, Andy Reid, Ian Wallace, Andy McNeill (c), Adrian Dodd, Brendan Warn, Christian Owen, Willie Dodd, David Prentice, D Dodd, G Chambers, D McKay, A Napier, L Jordan.
Inishowen Squad: Chris Jones, Karl Diver, James McColgan, Mark McLaughlin, Paul Cassidy, Michael Harkin, Seamus Hickey, Fergal Doherty, Anthony Cantwell, Colin Sweeny, Brian McNally, Mathew McCrossan (c), Philip McFadden, Anthony Boyle, Brian Harkin, Stephen Browne, Sean Craig, Spencer Lynch, Paul McLaughlin, Greg Byron.
