14-Man Ballynahinch Get The Better of ‘Wegians
Ballynahinch lie in second place in Division 1B after recording a bonus point 33-17 success at Galwegians – despite losing out-half James Lash to a first half red card.
'Hinch began brightly at Crowley Park, using their wind advantage in the first half to good effect, and James Lash converted two penalties inside the opening 11 minutes.
‘Wegians tightened up their discipline and then used their dominance in the scrum – they had three set pieces on the five-metre line – to force a penalty try in the 22nd minute which Tadhg Leader converted.
Lash replied with his third successful penalty and with ‘Hinch moving the ball accurately and at pace, centre James Thompson took a lovely line to score their first try.
Lash missed the conversion and turned villain on the half hour mark when he was red carded for stamping on a ‘Wegians player. Leader quickly landed a penalty for a 14-10 scoreline.
But two minutes before the break, centre Stuart Morrow punished the hosts for losing concentration to collect ‘Hinch’s second try.
The County Down side protected their 19-10 buffer until lock Chris Napier was sin-binned for slowing down ‘Wegians ball close to his own try-line.
Still, Thompson managed to break through for his second try and Leader wriggled free for 'Wegians' second, which he converted himself. That kept them in touch at 26-17.
But winger Robin Harte had the final when he raced away for a last-minute try – 'Hinch's fourth – after Thompson had gathered an interception near his own line.
Referee: Sean Gallagher (IRFU)