Ballynahinch Savour First Top Flight Win

Mark Butler scored two tries for Galwegians but missed a late conversion attempt as Ballynahinch held on to earn their first top flight AIB League win at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, October 10

BALLYNAHINCH 25 GALWEGIANS 24, Ballymacarn Park

Scorers: Ballynahinch: Tries: David Harris, Jonny Cullen, Nevin Spence; Cons: David Harris 2; Pens: Ryan Bambry 2
Galwegians: Tries: Mark Butler 2, Ati Olive, John Cleary; Cons: Mark Butler 2

‘Wegians winger Mark Butler opened the scoring with a try which he converted himself, after the visitors dominated the opening half hour.

But Ballynahinch upped the tempo for the closing minutes of the first half, bagging 15 points through two tries, a conversion and a penalty.

‘Hinch led 15-12 at the break, with inside centre David Harris and full-back Jonny Cullen breaking through for tries and Butler notching his second just before the half-time whistle.

Ireland Under-20 international Nevin Spence added a third try for the hosts and a second penalty from out-half Ryan Bambry extended the County Down side’s lead.

In the end, despite a try from winger John Cleary and a late pushover effort from number 8 Ati Olive, ‘Wegians had to settle for two losing bonus points courtesy of their four tries scored and losing by less than seven points.