Queen’s University 2^nd XV entertained Ballynahinch in the Championship at the sometimes sunny, sometimes wet and miserable, Dub playing fields on Sunday afternoon.

The game was far from a classic with both teams a bit rusty after the long lay off but it was a useful enough outing for both sides.

Ballynahinch pretty much dominated the first half with the bulk of the play down the far end of the pitch from my position. The visitors opened the scoring after 10 minutes with prop Niamh Gilgunn smashing through the Queens defence for the first try. Hinch created a few chances in the first half but a great cross field tackle from Queen’s Ally McIlwaine and some strong defence from the Queen’s forwards on their own line restricted Hinch to a penalty from Jane Patton to give Hinch an 8 – 0 lead at half time.

Queen’s edged the second half but, with the weather deteriorating, it took them until the last quarter to find the try line with Ruth Montgomery powering over to take the score to 5 – 8 with 10 minutes left. Hinch worked their way down field to try and secure the game but Queen’s held out and a late break by Arantza Riba looked all set for the winning score only for the last pass to be dropped on the try line.

Disappointment for Queen’s but, on balance, a deserved win for Ballynahinch.

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