3rdXV v Ballynahinch 6XV Forster Plate

Due to the bad weather, Ballynahnch 5XV were unable to host their Forster Plate match vs Ballymoney 3XV on two consecutive weekends. As tournament rules dictated, Ballymoney were then given home advantage on Saturday afternoon. Despite the cold snap, Kilraughts Road held up well and the game went ahead. 

On what turned out to be an uneventful game on the score board, it was far from that as both teams played with good pace and intensity, with a clear mix of youth and experience. The experience of Toss Skelton, Neil Campbell and Richard Pollock, along with strong ball carriers Ian Moxen and Alfie Clyde, was providing front foot ball for the backs. A strong scrum early on in the first half gave Dean Talbot a great platform to attack off. Talbot burst up field, beating numerous defenders and put the toon men in a strong position. Hinch then gave away a penalty which scrum half Matthew Dunlop slotted. Similarly, as 'Money built more pressure, Hinch again gave away another penalty at the breakdown, which allowed Dunlop to double the lead. 

There was to be no more scoring in the game as Ballynahinch failed to convert a kickable penalty in the second half. Dunlop and fly half Michael Armstrong looked to close out the game, kicking into space behind the defence. This was complemented by a strong kick chase. Peter Eilliot's long range attempt to take the score beyond a converted try just dropped short, but Ballymoney were able to hold strong in defence and finish the game 6-0 winners. 

Captain Neil Campbell was really pleased after the game how everyone played the game with an intensity that has been lacking this season, with Ballynahinch unable to break down the strong defence.