UCC Undone By Five-Try ‘Hinch
Division 1B leaders Ballynahinch made it four wins from four as they handed UCC a thumping 31-11 defeat at Ballymacarn Park.
Opting to play into the elements, the County Down side attacked off set piece ball to threaten the UCC line early on and when they flashed quick ruck ball wide, winger Aaron Ferris crossed for an 11th minute try.
UCC kept their composure and quickly responded through the boot of out-half Brian Kingston. His two penalties after 13 and 19 minutes gave them a brief 6-5 lead.
'Hinch held dominance in the forwards and as the students conceded a number of penalties, they lost second row Brian Quill to the sin-bin and then lively scrum half Brian Slater followed him just three minutes later.
Following a series of five-metre scrums, Ballynahinch opted to move the ball wide again and full-back David Nicholson was on hand to dive over for the hosts' second unconverted try.
With a wind advantage in the second half, 'Hinch quickly built on their 10-6 half-time lead. They did so despite having second row Jonny Madden sin-binned for a deliberate infringement.
Centre Stuart Morrow surged through a midfield gap to set up a great attacking position and after two near misses, Ferris was sent in behind the posts for his second touchdown. This time Kiwi out-half James Lash converted.
'Hinch prop Fergal Lynch was yellow carded on the hour mark after killing UCC ball at a ruck. Shortly afterwards, number 9 Slater broke from a scrum and his angled run took him over for the Cork outfit's only try.
Ballynahinch seized control for the remaining minutes though, Ulster flanker Willie Faloon smashing his way over by the posts for the bonus point try.
Lash converted and added a brilliant touchline kick after number 8 James Simpson powered through for try number five for the Ulstermen.
Referee: Olly Hodges (IRFU)