No breeze for ‘Hinch

30 November 2011

THE weather was always going to dictate the strategy in this encounter the outcome of which was always in doubt until the final 10 minutes.

Bruff won the toss and elected to play into the very strong breeze. The Limerick side knew they had to keep the ball tight and their pack gave a Munster master class as to how this should be done.

‘Hinch out half James Lash repeatedly sent the ball into touch to set up catch-and-drives. In the ninth minute this tactic yielded the first score of the game when the ‘Hinch backs flashed quick ball wide to Aaron Ferris, who ran in at the left corner. Lash failed to convert to leave the home side with a narrow 5-0 advantage.

A great break by Ferris in the 21st minute gave the home support something to cheer about.The ‘Hinch winger came into a sweeping backline move to beat centre Brian Cahill, then bounced Andrew Cashman on to his backside as he raced into the Bruff half of the field. Fullback Brendan Deady halted his progress just outside the Bruff 22.

Lash missed a shot a goal in the 35th minute and the half finished with the ‘Hinch leading 5-0.

Now with the wind at their backs the Limerick men set siege in the Hinch 22. An early penalty in the 43rd minute from centre Brian Cahill reduced the deficit after back chat from scrum half McAleese did not impress referee Darragh McCormack.

The home side always looked dangerous, and a magnificent solo break by out half James Lash in the 49th minute almost resulted in a second score.

Bruff continued to press the ‘Hinch line but a turnover and break by centre James Thompson in the 57th minute set up the next scoring opportunity.

The ‘Hinch man made great ground, beat a number of Bruff tackles and put David Nicholson clear. Nicholson was stopped by a great cover tackle just outside the Bruff 22. The line out was secured by the Hinch and the ball flashed wide where Nicholson was back in the line and on hand to cross for a crucial score. Lash added the extras to take the Hinch 12-5 clear.

It was a dramatic final ten minutes with the Munster men once again pressing hard. As the clock ticked down to the 79th minute ‘Hinch flanker James Simpson cleverly gathered a chip ahead from Bruff out half Tony Cahill to claim a vital turnover.

In frustration Bruff infringed and McAleese, from in front of his own posts, took a quick tap penalty, putting Robin Harte clear on the 22 to race up the right touchline and cross in the corner for a dramatic finishing try which Lash failed to convert.

A solid home win for the Hinch and the remain on top of Division 1B. Buccaneers lost to Harlequins and Ballymena had an impressive bonus point away win over Bohs in Limerick. This result leaves the Braid men just one point behind ‘Hinch in second place so Saturday’s away fixture at Eaton Park will be vital.

Ballynahinch: David Nicholson, Robin Harte, Stuart Morrow, James Thompson, Aaron Ferris, James Lash, Harry McAleese, Johnny Graham, James Simpson, Jonny Madden, Chris Napier, Lewis Stevenson, Jonny Simpson, Neil Hanna, Chris Stevenson. Replacements: Aaron Cairns, David Steele, Brian Mannus, Mark McCormick, Kyle McCall.

Ballynahinch 17

Bruff 3

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE 1B

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