BANN 18s KNOCKED OUT OF NUTTY KRUST
Ballynahinch  22  BANBRIDGE Under 18s 15
April 21, 2009

Jonny Weir takes the ball forward

Bann’s Under-18 side lost the first of two semi-finals to be played this week when they went down to arch-rivals Ballynahinch after a ding-dong battle in Monday evenings Nutty Krust fixture.

The Rifle Park side went into the fixture without forwards Ross Semple and Adam Proctor, but with the confidence that came from three wins in their previous four games against ‘Hinch this season.

But it was the Ballymacarn side that dominated the early proceedings and eventually went into a 10-0 lead thanks to a converted try and penalty.

Bann came into the game slowly despite a mis-firing lineout and Mark Doherty’s penalty before the interval was no more than they deserved.
Ten minutes into the second half out-half Andrew Kirkwood fielded a ‘Hinch kick at full pace on the halfway line. He drew the on-coming defender to send centre Chris Leathem on a 40 metre sprint to the try line. Doherty’s difficult conversion attempt drifted just outside the post.

With 12 minutes remaining Bann took the lead, lock Sam Boyd finishing off after Bann had stretched the ‘Hinch defence to breaking point. Doherty’s conversion kick hit the mark this time to put his side 15-10 ahead.

Bann will have been disappointed with the sloppy defending that allowed the opposition to hit back with two tries in five minutes, with the second of those being converted to leave Bann needing a converted try to tie the scores.

The final exchanges of the game saw Bann pressing hard on the ‘Hinch line. A 5 metre penalty was to be the last play of the game but that was delayed for 25 minutes while attention was given to skipper Kirkwood, who had picked up a head injury.

After the lengthy break Bann went all out for the equalising score but the ‘Hinch defence proved equal to everything thrown at them as they held out to claim their place in the final.

The two sides may meet for a sixth time this season. ‘Hinch are already through to the final of the Ulster U-18 (C E Bowman) Cup and Bann will provide the opposition at Ravenhill on 9th May if they can come away from Saturday’s semi-final at Omagh with a win.

Unfortunately as a result of his injury Kirkwood will not be available for Saturday’s game and the squad and coaches send their best wishes to Andrew for a speedy return to action.

Nathan Martin secures clean ball

Mark Doherty kicks for the posts

Stephen Irvine comes in to support Andrew Morrison

The team get together at half time