Hamilton on fire for happy ‘Hinch

Hamilton on fire for happy ‘Hinch

16 October 2019

BALLYNAHINCH seconds returned to action with a six try victory over a game Cooke side after a sensational first half sealed a comfortable win. 

In a game notable for the return of Josh Jordan from long-term injury, Kelvin Hamilton was the star performer, showing his all-round skills by moving from prop forward to play number 8, throwing in at the line outs and taking the place kicking duties as well. 

Ballynahinch scored five first half tries with veteran winger Aaron Ferris scoring his standard brace and looking dangerous at every opportunity. 

Hamilton and fellow back rower Kieran McAuley carried well and the bruising Eamon McAnulty proved a threat throughout in midfield. Full back Ronan Patterson, McAuley and the rapid Johnny McCoubrey were also on the scoresheet to give the home side control of the match at the break.

To their credit, Cooke came back hard in the second half, although they were aided by a loose performance from Ballynahinch, with too many missed tackles and a succession of penalties allowing the Belfast outfit to add respectability to the scoreboard. 

Their outside backs were always a threat and were able to influence the game when Ballynahinch failed to keep control of the ball as well as they had done earlier in the match. 

The result was never in doubt and a strong finish from the locals allowed scrum half Chris Gibson to add a gloss to the scoreboard with the closing score.

Hamilton kicked four conversions in all as his team moved back up into fourth place in the table. 

Holidaying team supremo Ian Dornan will have been pleased with the performance of this young side in his absence.