Ballynahinch were disappointed to head north with nothing to show from an excellent performance versus an in-form Lansdowne side. Coach Adam Craig will have been pleased with the performances of many of his young players as they stepped up in the absence through injury to the likes of experienced campaigners Bradley Luney and Zack McCall. Marcus Rea and James Humphreys also returned to the side.

The artificial surface on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium combined with the commitment to running rugby from Lansdowne generally leads to high scoring encounters and Saturday’s match seemed set to follow that pattern with three tries in the opening eleven minutes. Landowne took an early lead before a superb James Humphreys kick-pass sent Aaron Sexton over moments later. Lansdowne regained the lead almost immediately but defences remained on top as the game played out.

Ballynahinch had opportunities in the second half. Ryan Connolly made a superb break following a quick tap penalty from Chris Gibson and was hauled down just short of the line, knocking on in the process. Back row tyros Jon Rodgers and Sam Warwick then looked set to connect for a score but the final pass lacked accuracy and the chance went astray. The game was still in the balance entering the closing stages after an exchange of penalties but a long range effort from Lansdowne took them eight points clear and deprived the away team of a losing bonus point.