Clontarf 39 Ballynahinch 21

James Kirk reports

After fifty minutes of an excellent contest against League champions Clontarf the travelling Ballynahinch support dared to dream of a first ever victory at Castle Avenue. Aaron Sexton had just scored their third try to put his side seven points ahead and the match appeared to be on a knife edge. The Clontarf pack had other ideas and produced 30 minutes of typical hardnosed rugby to score three unanswered tries as the battling visitors tired.

Ballynahinch had Mark Best back in midfield and Josh Young replaced Joe Hopes in the only other change from last weekend’s victory over Lansdowne. The first half was fiercely contested. A try from Clontarf hooker Dylan Donnellan saw Ballynahinch fall behind early – a habit they have struggled with this season – but they battled back with a try from the outstanding Claytan Milligan and went toe to toe with the much bigger Clontarf forwards as the scores remained level for the rest of an absorbing first half.

The locals made a fast start to the second half with a multi-phase score finished by Pierce Crowe putting them ahead. Clontarf replied with a close range score from prop Paul Deeny before Aaron Sexton scored a trademark long range special. He took a quick tap penalty from deep in his own half after Ballynahinch had forced a turnover, beat the first man and turned on the speed to cruise to the line and give his side the lead.

Clontarf responded by turning to their forwards, utilising a strong bench to turn the screw on the tiring Ballynahinch pack in the final quarter and scored tries through the prolific Donnellan with a brace to complete his hat trick and flanker Oisin McCormack. Fly-half Conor Kelly added two late penalties as he completed a good day with the boot to add some gloss to the scoreboard and send his side up to third in the table. Ballynahinch remain in the relegation zone and have a huge home fixture next weekend versus fellow strugglers Cork Constitution. All support welcome.