‘Hinch Come Good In Second Half Against Shannon

Ballynahinch got back to winning ways with a two-try 18-12 dismissal of a durable Shannon side at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday afternoon.

A combination of strong running and crisp passing created a 13th minute overlap for Shannon's former Australia Under-20 lock Riley Winter to score his first try since his move north.

The visitors' unconverted effort had them leading 5-3 at the end of a first half full of attacking rugby. A lone penalty from Chris Quinn was all 'Hinch could muster while playing with the wind.

The Co. Down outfit made amends with an almost immediate try when play resumed. Ulster recruit Angus Lloyd, making his second league start for 'Hinch, showed a clean pair of heels to the Shannon defence and set up left winger Quinn to make it 8-5.

Quinn knocked over his second successful penalty in the 57th minute, punishing a Tony Cusack infringement, and the gap was out to 13 points after centre Davy Nicholson used turnover ball to barge over out wide for a seven-pointer.

But Shannon were very quick to respond. Barely a minute later, a brilliantly executed chip and chase saw winger Shane Mullally cross the whitewash and Ronan McKenna convert. Try as they might, Marcus Horan's charges could not get any closer and 'Hinch duly pocketed their second win of the campaign.

Referee: Robert O'Sullivan (IRFU)