A scintillating first half from Ballyclare, against Ballynahinch II at Ballymacarn Park, sees the Co. Antrim side progress to the next round of the Towns Cup.

As a Larne man it pains me to write this, but Ballyclare were simply magnificent in the first half of this match, outdoing their opponents in almost every facet of the game as they ran in four unanswered tries.

The scores came from Michael Kirk (2) Ronnie Reid and Owen Kirk, with Ried converting three for the teams to turn round with Ballyclare leading 0 – 26.

A half time rollicking saw the home side compete much more effectively in the second half though Ballyclare, with the strong wind behind them, didn’t exert themselves too much relying on Reid to send a few huge clearances down the park.

Hinch got their names on the scoreboard about ten minutes into the second half with a converted try but it was just like poking the bear and Ballyclare set about attacking the Hinch line until Joel McBride crossed, for an unconverted try, about eight minutes later.

To their credit Hinch kept at it for the remainder of the game and they got some reward for their second half effort by scoring their second converted try with the final play of the game.

Final Score. Ballynahinch II 14 Ballyclare 31

GALLERY BELOW