NUTTY KRUST U 19 FLOODLIT TOURNAMENT SEES HOST CLUB DEFEATED IN THE OPENING ROUND
Revised Report
Ballynahinch, who have been cup winners on four previous occasions since the Tournament became a Youth Competition in 2000, progressed to the quarter finals of this season’s tournament by virtue of a narrow 13-12 win over host club Portadown in an exciting and closely fought encounter under the Chambers Park floodlights last night.
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The match, played in windy conditions, saw both sides competing fiercely in both the set piece and breakdown. Portadown on a firm dry pitch started strongly and took advantage of the strong wind. However due to Ballynahinch’s astute use of ball by running it back Portadown were unable to make any real headway. Portadown’s dominant scrum forced an early penalty but their full back was unable to convert this opportunity. Hinch grew in confidence and following a long period of pressure on the Portadown line they eventually spread the ball wide enabling wing Rory Martin to score the game’s opening try. The conversion from the 5 metre line was missed thus leaving the visitors with a 5-0 lead. Thirty minutes into the half the local supporters were finally given something to cheer about as out half Niall Davison chipped the onrushing Hinch defence to score a try under the posts, Full back Purvis added the extra two points to give the hosts a 7-5 lead.
The final minutes of the half were contested between the 10 metre lines until Hinch wing Martin received a pass following which he set of on a mazy run leaving 5 defenders flat footed. He was eventually brought down. This led to a series of rucks and extended pressure on the home defence which was finally broken when prop Kelvin Spence scored in the left hand corner right on the stroke of half time. The conversion was missed leaving Hinch with a slender 10-7 lead at the change over.
Hinch started the second half confidently and stretched their lead 5 minutes in with a well struck penalty by out half Lee Spence. As the rain started Portadown seemed galvanised into action. Following a turnover Ports full back, Ryan Purvis who had a good game, made a strong break and off loaded to supporting No 8 Aaron Abraham who carried play well into the visitors 22 before being stopped. Portadown won the ruck ball and moved the ball quickly through the hands to Ryan Calvert who burst through to score. The conversion was missed leaving the score as a nail biting 13-12 in the visitor’s favour.
The final 20 minutes saw both sides battle hard for supremacy but with no end product despite their efforts. Neither side seemed to want to risk losing and the final minutes were contested in and around the half way line. The heavy rain and wind made handling difficult but errors were minimal and discipline was good on both teams.
The Hinch half backs Ross Johnston and Spence varied both the attacking and defence plays well and their game management, along with Martin’s dangerous runs enabled Hinch to maximise the opportunities that came their way resulting in a 13-12 win and progression into the hat for the quarter final draw.
Ulster Rugby’s Junior Vice President & Youth Chairman presented the Man of the Match Award to Ballynahinch scrum half Ross Johnston.
Next week there will be two matches: Lurgan play Ballymena on Tuesday and on Wednesday Dungannon play Randalstown. Following Wednesday night’s game the draw will be made for the Nutty Krust Quarter final matches.
