Winger Jake Swaine touched down twice as Terenure College dominated the final quarter to take a 30-6 verdict over Ballynahinch at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday.
A wet and blustery but clearing day greeted the teams at the County Down venue, and over the first hour, bottom side 'Hinch did show signs – against last season's beaten semi-finalists – that they are definitely improving in their bid to move away from the relegation zone.
Bolstered by fit-again captain Paul Pritchard, the Ballynahinch forwards played a particularly aggressive game and had a number of purple patches.
There was several balls taken against the head in the scrum as the 'Hinch front row of Jonny Simpson, Zack McCall and Craig Trenier made life particularly difficult for the Dubliners, but the home back-line struggled to cross the gain-line against a strong 'Nure defence.
Ulster recruit Sam Windsor shifted from out-half to full-back this week and slotted a brace of first half penalties to James Thornton's one, giving Derek Suffern's charges a 6-3 interval lead.
Although Ballynahinch also started well in the second period, Terenure gradually took control of proceedings as they chalked up a third victory in four league games.
Two James Thornton penalties had them ahead by the 50th minute, and James Blaney's men were soon out of sight thanks to three converted tries.
Accurate out-half Thornton added the extras to efforts from Jake Swaine (2) and former Ireland Under-20 centre Harrison Brewer, with both players doing well to exploit the space out wide.
While his side were hit with 27 unanswered points in the end, Ballynahinch head coach Suffern is maintaining a positive outlook as they target improved results against Galwegians (November 28) and Lansdowne (December 5) before the Christmas break.
“It wasn't as bad as the scoreboard suggested. It's the small things which are going wrong for us but we're going to need some strong character and leadership now,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“If we win in Galwegians then we're in the hunt for survival. There are plenty of games to go so it's still doable.”
Referee: Nigel Correll (IRFU)
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