CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR COOKSTOWN Ballynahinch 5 Cookstown 10
Cookstown travelled to the mighty Ballynahinch on Saturday to conclude their fixtures in 2014 and eventually prevailed in a tight and tough encounter.
The first half was a scrappy affair with tough underfoot conditions meaning that neither side was able to get into their flow. Mistakes were in abundance as Cookstown squandered a number of chances through poor decision making and execution. In defence they had to rely on a few last ditch tackles from the McKenna brothers to keep Hinch out. Cookstown had the opportunity to get the first points of the game but Paul O’Neill missed with a penalty attempt. The half time whistle soon sounded to signal the end of a poor first half.
The second half was a livelier affair with Hinch first on the scoresheet with a well worked try in the corner and with the conversion being missed this gave Hinch took a 5-0 lead. There was some strong words said in the Cookstown camp under the posts and they came out firing for the final 30 minutes. They restricted Hinch to limited opportunities and became camped in the opposition half. Eventually the pressure told with a move straight from the training ground. Kyle Campton started the move cutting through the Hinch defence. He offloaded to Ciaran Currie and to his surprise he saw captain Owen Mallon on his shoulder who in turn popped the ball to an onrushing Paul O’Neill to dot down under the posts. O’Neill added the conversion for a narrow lead. Mallon then won his side a penalty which O’Neill slotted over for a 10-5 lead. The full time whistle was blown soon after to confirm a league double for Cookstown over Hinch. Director of Rugby Liam Currie simply said after the game, ‘An ugly win but a win in challenging conditions nonetheless’.
The victory certainly left the boys in jubilant mood after the game as they enjoyed their annual Christmas outing. The club would like to thank Brown Sugar in Cookstown for their excellent hospitality and the superb meal they put on. A few grievances were aired at the court session and as always true justice prevailed – everyone admitted their guilt!!
The club draw took place as well on Saturday night in the Dunleath Bar. The top prize of Ireland tickets went to Caroline McElduff with Patricia Mallon getting the meal voucher to Port Mor and Katana Valivika winning the signed Ulster shirt. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and supported the club throughout this fundraiser.
The club would like to wish all its players, members and supporters all over the world a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
