Ballynahinch 2XV Produce Try-Scoring Feast in 52 - 36 Victory Over Banbridge

Ballynahinch 2XV served up an entertaining display of attacking rugby at Rifle Park on Saturday, running in eight tries to secure an impressive 52 - 36 victory over Banbridge in a high-scoring league encounter. On an overcast afternoon, both sides contributed to a fiercely competitive and entertaining contest, with Hinch's pace and attacking ambition ultimately proving decisive.

Hinch made the perfect start, opening the scoring after just four minutes when Harry McKeown's cleverly weighted chip and chase created the opportunity for Lewis Connolly to cross. McKeown added the conversion to give the visitors an early 7 - 0 lead. Three minutes later, Banbridge threatened with a scintillating break, but some determined Hinch defence forced a penalty and allowed the pressure to be relieved. Hinch quickly turned defence into attack, and another incisive move saw Alex Topping finish following good work from Lewis Connolly. McKeown again converted to make it 14 - 0.

Banbridge responded through their powerful lineout and driving maul, eventually crossing for a converted try to reduce the deficit to 14 - 7. The game then opened up into an end-to-end contest. A strong carry from James Jackson and a penetrating run from Topping put Hinch on the front foot before another exciting attacking passage almost produced a score for Alex Murphy. The third try arrived in the 25th minute when a clever exchange of kicking ended with Ryan Drain showing excellent pace and composure to finish. McKeown added the extras to extend the lead to 21 - 7. Topping was increasingly influential, and after another strong run from Ryan Halpin, he gathered a loose kick and exploited a gap in the Banbridge defence to race away for his second try. McKeown's conversion made it 28 - 7.

Banbridge, however, continued to pose a threat from the set piece, and two further tries from well-executed driving mauls, one before half-time and another shortly after, brought the home side back into contention at 28 - 17. Hinch responded positively, with powerful carries from the forwards and Halpin again making good ground. However, Banbridge continued to exploit their lineout strength, adding another try in the 46th minute to close the gap to 28 - 22. Hinch replied with a superb team try on 50 minutes. A strong central break from Jacob McKeown, followed by excellent handling from Lewis Connolly, helped move the ball across the field before Topping completed his hat-trick. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 33 - 22. Banbridge refused to go away and another successful driving maul brought them within four points at 33 - 29 on the hour mark.

The final quarter become a much tighter and more physical affair, with both sides battling hard for territory and possession. Harry McKeown produced an excellent 50 - 22 to give Hinch valuable attacking territory, while George Saunderson made an immediate impact following his introduction. Hinch finally gave themselves some breathing space in the 71st minute. Having earned a penalty and secured the resulting lineout, the forwards produced a powerful driving maul of their own, with Jacob McKeown emerging with the ball to score. McKeown's conversion extended the advantage to 38 - 29. With the game entering its final stages, Topping showed excellent awareness to gather a Banbridge chip-and-chase attempt and clear the danger. Hinch then applied sustained pressure, moving the ball from touchline to touchline, with another chip-and-chase almost allowing Drain to score in the corner. The winger would not be denied for long. In the 77th minute, a beautifully weighted cross-field kick from Harry McKeown found Drain, who gathered brilliantly to finish in the corner and stretch the lead to 45–29.

Banbridge responded almost immediately, with a superb break from their full-back creating another opportunity and a quick penalty resulting in a further try to make it 45 - 36. There was still time for one final flourish from Hinch. McKeown produced another outstanding 50 22 from an acute angle, allowing the visitors to establish one last attacking platform. After winning the lineout and building through the phases, Topping and Connolly combined to send the ball over in the corner for Hinch's eighth and final try.

Forwards - Dean McCavery; David Cooper; James Jackson; Ryan Halpin; Sam Galbraith; Daniel Williams; Jacob McKeown; Tom Martin
Backs - Lewis Stevenson; Harry McKeown; Alex Murphy; Paddy Wright; Lewis Connolly; Ryan Drain; Alex Topping
Bench - George Saunderson; Frazer Harrower; Matthew Sweetlove