Ballynahinch’s bonus point win over Young Munster

Ballynahinch’s bonus point win over Young Munster

5 March 2025

BALLYNAHINCH kept their hopes of a play-off place alive with a comfortable bonus point win over Young Munster.

The Limerick side posed little threat outside their traditionally strong set-piece and with some more composure in the opposition 22 Ballynahinch could have had the game sewn up at half-time.

Adam Craig was able to call on the services of Ulster’s Zac Ward, James Humphreys, Ethan Graham and Reuben Crothers for the penultimate home AIL fixture.

He was handed the unexpected bonus of fit-again hooker Claytan Milligan, who took a place on the bench weeks ahead of his scheduled return.

The home side dominated the opening quarter, but had just one early score to show for their efforts as the backs worked George Pringle over in the corner after superb work by the forwards.

Young Munster had barely touched the ball at this stage, but a couple of turnovers near their own line saved them from going further behind.

They battled back into the match and scored a typical try from a line-out maul midway through the half.

Ballynahinch responded with a catch-and-drive try from Kelvin Hamilton to give themselves a nine-point lead, but the Limerick men responded with a penalty to keep themselves in touch at the break.

Zac Ward extended the lead just seconds into the second half when he pounced on a loose ball from the kickoff and torched the cover to score in the corner. Conor Rankin added the extras and the home side looked well set for a bonus-point win.

Despite a Ballynahinch yellow card and a period of sustained pressure from Young Munster, Ward delivered the full haul of five points with a stunning length of the field intercept and finish along the touchline with half an hour to go.

Ballynahinch should have added more scores, but failed to take their chances and with the points secured the game petered out with Young Munster adding a consolation score in the final few minutes.

In truth they were well beaten and with St Mary’s and Cork Con still to play, Ballynahinch know that if they win their final three games they will be right in the mix for a semi-final place.

They have three weeks to rest up for the final push as the season promises to be live all the way to the final fixture at Armagh on April 7.

Ballynahinch (1-20): Matthew Burke, Kelvin Hamilton, John Dickson Jnr, Will Hopes, Declan Horrox, Zack McCall, Reuben Crothers, Bradley Luney (capt), Chris Gibson, James Humphreys, Ethan Graham, Mark Best, George Pringle, Zac Ward, Conor Rankin, Claytan Milligan, Harry McCormick, Ronan McCusker, Peter Heasley, Aaron Cairns, Paul Kerr.