Ballynahinch RFC Rugby Round-up For 3 February 2018

Ballynahinch RFC Rugby Round-up For 3 February 2018

 Ballynahinch travelled to Naas in UBL Div 1B, winning 27-24.

Ballynahinch 2’s hosted Armagh 2s in the Town’s Cup losing 31-7.

Ballynahinch 3’s free,

Ballynahinch 4’s hosted Bangor 2s in the Provincial League, winning 65-0.

Ballynahinch 5’s free.

Ballynahinch 6’s hosted Academy 2s in the Provincial League, losing 43-5.

Ballynahinch 7’s W/o vs Portadown 4’s.

Ballynahinch Ladies free.

Club Notes

Ross Aiken, David George and Philip Gregg of Ballynahinch RFC pictured with Raymond Donnelly, car sponsor of the Donnelly Group with Margaret and Joe Casement, the winners of the Ballynahinch RFC car draw.

It was a perfect Saturday for the First XV with a bonus point win and their main rivals Shannon and Banbridge taking points off each other in a 15-all draw at Rifle Park. This moved Hinch clear at the top of the table with 5 games to go. Assistant Coach Tom Rock describes the challenge as “five cup finals” and the squad now know that their destiny is in their own hands, starting with the local derby vs Banbridge. All support both home and away will be much appreciated for the final promotion push.

The next UBL home fixture is against local rivals Banbridge on Saturday 17th February and the pre-match lunch has been sold out for months. To book your slot at one of the final two pre-match lunches please contact James Shaw on 07740 308051. The dates are March 24th vs Dolphin and April 14th vs Old Belvedere.

The 2nd XV tamely surrendered their grip on the Town’s Cup with a disappointing 31-7 home defeat to big rivals Armagh. Having been beaten on three occasions this season by Ballynahinch, their opponents clearly prioritised the Cup over their First XV UBL fixture, selecting an extremely strong side and getting the result they wanted. Hinch were in the game at 7 all after an Andrew Harper try but couldn’t take their chances and slipped to defeat.

The 4th XV juggernaut rolls on with an impressive 65-0 tanking of Bangor 2s, possible Crawford Cup semi final opponents. It is unlikely that Bangor would field a side this youthful in the semi final. Perhaps they are keeping their best team under wraps.

Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year. Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial.

For more details contact David Black – Mini Convenor on 07760919094.

The club has set up a walking club in conjunction with the Ulster Branch “Walking to the World Cup” initiative and plans are in the pipeline for a walking trail around the club grounds. See the club facebook page or speak to Karen Maitland for more details.

Results

Saturday 3rd February 2018

Naas 24 Ballynahinch 27

Ballynahinch 2s 7 Armagh 31

Ballynahinch 4s 65 Bangor 2s 0

Ballynahinch 6s 5 Academy 43

Fixtures

Saturday 10th February 2018

Ballynahinch 3’s vs Portadown 2’s (Provincial League)

Ballynahinch 5’s vs Enniskillen 2’s (Provincial League)

Ballyclare 4’s vs Ballynahinch 6’s (Provincial League)

Dromore 3’s vs Evergreeens (Regional League)