This years final of the Floodlit Nutty Krust Tournament took place on
Wednesday 2nd May at Chambers Park Portadown. The Two two teams
contesting the final were Ballynahinch U19s and Malone U19s.
On a lovely sunny evening in front of a large crowd it was Malone who kicked
off proceedings .The early stages of the game saw both sides kicking for
territory and weighing each other up . Ballynahinch then began to take control
of the game and most of the play was in the Malone half . Their pressure was
rewarded with score on 22mins with 15 Christopher Orr rounding off a
move after a tap penalty and the ball was moved wide . Connor Saunders
conversion attempt was wide leaving the score 5-0 to Hinch After
Ballynahinch’s score it was Malone who went on the offence and the
remainder of the half saw Malone control play in Hinch’s half .Gary Andrews
had a chance to score for Malone but was well tackled . Ballynahinch’defence
held firm and a further Malone attack was held up short of the line .Malone
had a series of penalties awarded for offside and opted for the scrum but with
the game in overtime in the first half were aawrded a penalty on 37 mins . Tim
Durkans attempt at the posts went wide. Half time score Hinch 5 Malone 0
The second half had just resumed and it was Hinch who started the stronger
and with 3 mins played Hooker Connor Phillips went over to increase
Hinch’s lead Connor Saunders added the extra points making the score 12 -0
Connor Saunders had a chance on 63 mins to increase Hinch’s lead with a
penalty attempt but this was wide. Hinch’s no 2 Connor Philps looked as if he
had sealed the win for Ballynahinch but his score was Ruled out for a forward
pass . Malone continued to press for a score in the final minutes and looked
like scoring but Ballynahinch’s defence held firm and with the final whistle
blown the final score was Ballynahinch 12 Malone 0
After the final whistle the presentations were made in the Clubhouse .
Ulster scrum half Paul Marshall presented Ballynahinch Hooker Connor
Philips with his Man of The Match Award .
Ulster winger Craig Gilroy presented Malone with their Runner up Medals
Ulster Prop Paddy Mcallister presented Ballynahinch with their Winners
Medals
All it takes now is to thank all who played , coached and help organise this
years tournament with special notice to Willie Gribben and Barney Mcgonigle
who organised this years tournament . And finally thanks again to Irwins
Bakery for sponsoring this years tournament
