Ballynahinch have made it three First Trust Senior Cup titles in a row, following a measured victory over Dungannon at Kingspan Stadium on Thursday evening.
First Trust Senior Cup Final
Ballynahinch 27-10 Dungannon
Pre-match favourites Ballynahinch got the match underway, but it was Dungannon who laid down an early marker with a huge scrum that was greatly received by their vocal travelling support.
Some strong carrying by the Ballynahinch backs drew their team back into the game, before openside flanker Connor Philips made a great break then released fellow flanker Callum Irvine to sprint over in the right corner on 13 minutes for the opening try of the game.
Dungannon had an opportunity to strike back a couple of minutes later but full-back Jake Finlay’s 40m effort fell just wide and left.
A minute later Dungannon centre Paul Armstrong took over kicking duty but, despite a good connection, could only watch as his attempt pulled left. Armstrong did open his side’s account on 22 minutes when he confidently dispatched a penalty from just outside the ’22.
Despite the Dungannon defence soaking up some pressure, it was Armstrong again who had the next scoring opportunity on 32 minutes with another long range penalty, but this time his effort was pushed right.
Ballynahinch hooker Andrew Harper pounced for his side’s second try on 37 minutes when he picked up a loose ball and drove over from 10 metres out, before Christopher Quinn added the extras.
Dungannon were made to rue another missed opportunity before the break, as Armstrong saw another penalty drift agonisingly left of the posts.
The Tyrone side thought they had got off to a dream second half start with an early try but play was pulled back for winger Matthew Montgomery putting a foot in touch.
At the other end Ballynahinch also come close to a try of their own but full back Justin Rea was marshalled into touch close to the try line. However, a minute later winger Christopher Orr sneaked into the left corner to dot down following some swift passing to shift play wide.
On 56 minutes a Quinn penalty punished the Dungannon indiscipline to open up a 20-3 lead for the ‘Hinch as the game edged towards the final quarter.
Ballynahinch centre Stuart Morrow topped off a fine individual performance with a try of his own on 63 minutes, slipping between two defenders before reaching to touch down under the posts; the simple conversion stretching the deficit out to 24 points.
Dungannon continued to battle gamely and a quick tap saw captain James McMahon burst over on 74 minutes to get his side’s only try, with Armstrong adding the extra 2.
While McGrath’s try was just reward for his team’s efforts, Ballynahinch were not to be denied and closed out the game in controlled fashion.
The Senior Cup win caps off a fantastic few days for the County Down club, who previously clinched the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup on Tuesday evening, also at Kingspan Stadium.
Man of the match: James Simpson (Ballynahinch)
Ballynahinch:
(15-9): Justin Rea, Christopher Quinn, Stuart Morrow, David Nicholson, Christopher Orr, James McBriar, Christopher Gibson;
(1-8): Jonathan Blair, Andrew Harper, Stuart Orr, Michael Graham (Capt.), James Simpson, Callum Irvine, Connor Philips, Gareth Gill.
Replacements (16-20): Christopher Stevenson, Joe Roe, Stewart Evans, William Stewart, Kenny Morton.
Dungannon:
(15-9): Jake Finlay, Matthew Montgomery, Paul Armstrong, Andrew Mills, Peter Cashel, John Buckley, Jack Ravey;
(1-8): Steven Sinnamon, Karl Egan, Glen Sinnamon, Peter Doran, Ross McCaughey, Stephen Todd, David Leyburn, James McMahon (Capt.).
Replacements (16-20): Rodney Bennett, Daniel Maxwell, Mark Riddell, Josh Kennedy, Gerard Treanor.
First Trust Senior Cup Final
Ballynahinch 27-10 Dungannon
Pre-match favourites Ballynahinch got the match underway, but it was Dungannon who laid down an early marker with a huge scrum that was greatly received by their vocal travelling support.
Some strong carrying by the Ballynahinch backs drew their team back into the game, before openside flanker Connor Philips made a great break then released fellow flanker Callum Irvine to sprint over in the right corner on 13 minutes for the opening try of the game.
Dungannon had an opportunity to strike back a couple of minutes later but full-back Jake Finlay’s 40m effort fell just wide and left.
A minute later Dungannon centre Paul Armstrong took over kicking duty but, despite a good connection, could only watch as his attempt pulled left. Armstrong did open his side’s account on 22 minutes when he confidently dispatched a penalty from just outside the ’22.
Despite the Dungannon defence soaking up some pressure, it was Armstrong again who had the next scoring opportunity on 32 minutes with another long range penalty, but this time his effort was pushed right.
Ballynahinch hooker Andrew Harper pounced for his side’s second try on 37 minutes when he picked up a loose ball and drove over from 10 metres out, before Christopher Quinn added the extras.
Dungannon were made to rue another missed opportunity before the break, as Armstrong saw another penalty drift agonisingly left of the posts.
The Tyrone side thought they had got off to a dream second half start with an early try but play was pulled back for winger Matthew Montgomery putting a foot in touch.
At the other end Ballynahinch also come close to a try of their own but full back Justin Rea was marshalled into touch close to the try line. However, a minute later winger Christopher Orr sneaked into the left corner to dot down following some swift passing to shift play wide.
On 56 minutes a Quinn penalty punished the Dungannon indiscipline to open up a 20-3 lead for the ‘Hinch as the game edged towards the final quarter.
Ballynahinch centre Stuart Morrow topped off a fine individual performance with a try of his own on 63 minutes, slipping between two defenders before reaching to touch down under the posts; the simple conversion stretching the deficit out to 24 points.
Dungannon continued to battle gamely and a quick tap saw captain James McMahon burst over on 74 minutes to get his side’s only try, with Armstrong adding the extra 2.
While McGrath’s try was just reward for his team’s efforts, Ballynahinch were not to be denied and closed out the game in controlled fashion.
The Senior Cup win caps off a fantastic few days for the County Down club, who previously clinched the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup on Tuesday evening, also at Kingspan Stadium.
Man of the match: James Simpson (Ballynahinch)
Ballynahinch:
(15-9): Justin Rea, Christopher Quinn, Stuart Morrow, David Nicholson, Christopher Orr, James McBriar, Christopher Gibson;
(1-8): Jonathan Blair, Andrew Harper, Stuart Orr, Michael Graham (Capt.), James Simpson, Callum Irvine, Connor Philips, Gareth Gill.
Replacements (16-20): Christopher Stevenson, Joe Roe, Stewart Evans, William Stewart, Kenny Morton.
Dungannon:
(15-9): Jake Finlay, Matthew Montgomery, Paul Armstrong, Andrew Mills, Peter Cashel, John Buckley, Jack Ravey;
(1-8): Steven Sinnamon, Karl Egan, Glen Sinnamon, Peter Doran, Ross McCaughey, Stephen Todd, David Leyburn, James McMahon (Capt.).
Replacements (16-20): Rodney Bennett, Daniel Maxwell, Mark Riddell, Josh Kennedy, Gerard Treanor.