NUTTY KRUST FLOODLIT TOURNAMENT 2014
The final game in this year’s quarter finals saw holders Banbridge playing previous winners Ballynahinch with both teams hoping for a place in the hat for the semi final draw which was made after the game.
From the start the game was played at a high intensity despite a slippy pitch and persistent rain both teams tried to play expansive rugby with the ball being moved wide by both sets of backs. The Banbridge pack was dominant upfront but Hinchs line speed in defence keep Banbridge at bay. Banbridge opened the scoring on 12 mins with a drop goal by outhalf Macauley Little. Both scrum half’s made excellent use of the box kick with a lot of height enabling both back lines to chase and gain territory and pressurise each others defence. After a period of dominance Hinch were awarded a penalty 19 mins , Lee Spence’s attempt was pushed wide. . Banbridge had a chance on the stroke of half time to extend there lead but Macaluley Little’s attempt was wide of the mark .
Half time score Banbridge 3 ballynahinch 0
The weather continued to deteriorate in the second half but the intensity and standard of play was carried forward from the first half. 10 mins into the half Banbridge were awarded a penalty following a strong opening which tested the Hinch defence. Aaron Kennedy slotted over the penalty to increase the lead for Banbridge. Hinch had an excellent counter attack which took play the full length of the pitch but was well defended by Banbridge. Hinch were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but instead of taking the points with time still on the clock decided to run it but lost possession and walked away with nothing. Banbridge finished the half on the attack but some great defence and tackling by Hinch prevented Banbridge from scoring.
Final score Banbridge 6 Ballynahinch 0
In what turned out to be a low scoring and hard fought encounter Banbridge win and are through to the semi finals .Both sides despite very poor weather conditions played well in attack and defence the game lived up to its billing and was a good advert for youth rugby .
Man of the Match went to Ballynahinch no 9 Peter Weir and was presented by Clive Bowles Ulster u19s manager in the clubhouse after the game.
The draw for the semi finals was made in the clubhouse after the game by Brian Irwin of Irwin’s Bakery sponsor of the Nutty Krust tournament and Clive Bowles Ulster u19s manager
Dungannon v Banbridge 09th April 2014 ko 7.45pm
Malone V larne 16th April 2014 ko 7.45pm
