The second Semi Final of this years Floodlit Nutty Krust Tournament was played at Portadown RFC on Wednesday night 25th April .The draw paired Ballynahinch u 19s against Banbridge u19s.
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On a cold wet and windy evening it was it was Ballynahinch who kicked off the proceedings playing with a strong wind behind them , but it was Banbridge who started the game more strongly and should have opened the scoring when no 12 M Mcdonald made a break but was tackled short of the line when a score looked likely .Ballynahinch came more into the game and and on their first period of pressure in the Banbridge half opened the scoring on 13mins after a series of pickups and drives no 5 P Ireland went over to score . Connor Saunders conversion attempt was wide 5-0 Hinch .Both teams tried to move the ball but found handling difficult in the wet conditions. Banbridge defence held firm until the 28min when no 8 G Gill picked the ball up from the scrum and fed Scrum half J Murdock to score in the corner . Connors conversion attempt fell short leaving the half time score 10 -0 in Ballynahinch’s favour
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Banbridge kicked off the second half playing with the wind and they opened their account when winger Paddy Mackin side stepped the defence and went on to touch down in the corner . The conversion attempt by a Doherty was missed , 10-5 to Hinch . Ballynahinch then began to dominate the second half keeping the ball in close with the back row controlling the game and a fine display by scrum half JMurdock saw Hinch play most of the game in the Bannbridge half. J McMullan increased Hinchs lead on 57mins with a move straight off the training ground .Connor Saunders added the extra points 17-5 .
Banbridge found it hard to get their hands on the ball and it was Hinchs ball retention that lead to another score by N0 7 J McMullan in the dying minutes of the game .The conversion attempt was missed leaving the final Score 22pts-5pts in Ballynahinch’s favour.
Ballynahich now play Malone in the final next week
Man of The Match award went to Ballynahinch’s No7 J Mcmullan for his brace of tries and all round performance , presented by Willie Gribben .
The Final of this years Nutty Krust Floodlit Tournament is Ballynahinch V Malone to be played at Chambers Park Portadown RFC on Wednesdqay 2nd May KO 20.00pm
