The Front Row Union Sport - Senior Cup: Ballynahinch 30 Dungannon 21 (Semi Final)

Ballynahinch pulled away from a dogged Dungannon to secure their place in the Ulster Senior Cup Final against City of Armagh on 6th March.

It was a scrappy first quarter. Dungannon probably shaded territory and possession but defences but the were unable to break down the Hinch defence.

Ballynahinch cut loose towards the end of the first quarter with Aaron Cairns breaking through for a try under the posts for Greg Hutley to convert and minutes later centre Ryan Wilson rounded the defence out wide for an unconverted try.

Ryan Wilson rounds the defence for Ballynahinch’s second score.

However, Dungannon upped the tempo of their games and the visitors responded before the break with a fine individual try from hooker Mal Anderson before out half Andrew McGregor battled over for a second after a period of sustained pressure in the Hinch 22. Jordan McIlwaine converted both to give Dungannon a 12 – 14 lead as the teams changed ends.

Andrew McGregor battles for the line for Dungannon’s second score.

Hinch came out bristling with intent at the start of the second half which they largely controlled.

Bradley Luney crossed on the 45th minute after spotting a gap in the Dungannon line close to the ruck. Hutley knocked over the conversion and knocked over two penalties to push the score to 25 – 14 as Hinch kept Dungannon trapped in their own half.

Ronan Patterson dives for the corner for a Hinch try.

Replacement Ronan Patterson crossed out wide for Hinch with about 10 minutes to go to move the score to 30 – 14 but it was Dungannon who had the last word with a break from deep was taken on by David Leyburn who outstripped the defence to score under the posts. McIlwaine added the extras for the visitors to give a final score of Ballynahinch 30 Dungannon 21.