Jonny Adams sets up win against Hinch Share
Ballynahinch 8 BANBRIDGE U17s 38October 16, 2010
The conditions were ideal for the Under-17s third league game of the season, played at Ballymacarn Park last Saturday. Bann were hoping to play an expansive game but ‘Hinch had the early possession and they kept the visitors camped in their own half for the first 15 minutes, kicking a penalty to open the scoring. Bann now made their first trip into the ‘Hinch half and reaped an instant reward when Adam Doherty intercepted a pass and raced in from 30 metres to touch down before adding the conversion. The Bann forwards now moved up a gear, carrying the ball well into the home side's territory and retaining it through several phases. In the backline Jonny Adams was running strongly, punching holes in Ballynahinch's defence. Eventually this pressure resulted in another Doherty try, when he showed his pace by running round three defenders to score in the corner. The remainder of the half saw Bann in control threatening the ‘Hinch line several times before finally some great passing from the backs set Ryan Graham free to round the last man and score. The second half started with the home side putting up stiff resistance to Bann's attacks but the forwards were now in their stride and from a good lineout catch by Kyle McConnell they mauled the ball over the line for Ryan Dennison to score. More of the same followed soon after and the forwards crashed through the hard working Ballynahinch defence with Robert Poots getting the try. Bann relaxed a bit too quickly for the ‘Hinch kick off and got lazy in the tackle giving away territory and eventually penalties. Ballynahinch took full advantage of this and crossed the line for a deserved try, taking the score to 8 - 31 with five minutes remaining. The score had stung Bann and they immediatly charged back into the ‘Hinch half, rucking good ball to let Adams carry the ball close to the try line. From the ensuing ruck Macauley Little reacted quickest and snatched the ball before diving over at the corner. Doherty kicked the difficult conversion which left him with a four from six tally, which with his two tries added up to a fine personal performance. The Bann team played well in patches but again dropped the intensity on too many occasions. The player who kept his personal intensity level 100% throughout the game was this week's man of the match Jonny Adams, who carried the ball exceptionally well and rucked superbly.