Ballynahinch 2nds produced a controlled display at Kingspan Stadium to overcome Omagh 3-17 in Tuesday evening's Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup Final.
All of the points were scored in the first half, with a powerful five minute spell on the stroke of half-time making the securing the triumph for Hinch.
The game started as a cagey affair with both teams trying to play for territorial advantage. Hinch fullback Patrick Wright had a chance to open the scoring in the 9th minute but his 40 metre penalty effort fell short.
Hooker Ben Pentland then opened the scoring for Hinch when he crashed over following a well-executed catch and drive from a close-range lineout. This time Wright was on target from the tee to push his side into a 0-7 lead after a quarter of an hour.
Omagh responded on the 20 minute mark with a penalty from flyhalf Neil MacLaine, but the Tyrone men were struggling to contain the potent Hinch attack.
Indeed, it was the Ballymacarn Park side who finished the half strongest, scoring 10 points in quick succession as half time approached. First, Wright dissected the posts from straight in front to regain a seven point lead.
Then came a moment of magic from the Ballynahinch midfield as Willie Stewart pierced the defence before offloading to centre partner Callum McLaughlin and the youngster’s quick footwork and acceleration saw him round fullback Ali Beckett and touch down under the posts. Wright had the simple task of adding the extras for a 3-17 half-time-lead.
Omagh started the second half strongly and a sustained period of pressure and the concession of a series of penalties led to the sin binning of Ballynahinch replacement forward Gareth Gill.
But a combination of terrific defence from Hinch and wasteful play from Omagh with ball-in-hand, which was characterised by handling errors, meant the latter were unable to capitalise on the one man advantage.
Once they returned to their full complement, the County Down side completely dominated the closing stages of the game. Wright missed another penalty with about 15 minutes left on the clock and his side also squandered a couple of good try-scoring opportunities. Indeed, Omagh did well to thwart these attacks with some key turnovers just metres from their own try line.
And so it was Ballynhinch captain Kenny Morton who lifted the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, ensuring that the club's dream of lifting two trophies this week, remains alive.
The Hinch 1st XV will face Dungannon in the First Trust Senior Cup Final at Kingspan Stadium on Thursday night. Tickets for that clash are still available from ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.
All of the points were scored in the first half, with a powerful five minute spell on the stroke of half-time making the securing the triumph for Hinch.
The game started as a cagey affair with both teams trying to play for territorial advantage. Hinch fullback Patrick Wright had a chance to open the scoring in the 9th minute but his 40 metre penalty effort fell short.
Hooker Ben Pentland then opened the scoring for Hinch when he crashed over following a well-executed catch and drive from a close-range lineout. This time Wright was on target from the tee to push his side into a 0-7 lead after a quarter of an hour.
Omagh responded on the 20 minute mark with a penalty from flyhalf Neil MacLaine, but the Tyrone men were struggling to contain the potent Hinch attack.
Indeed, it was the Ballymacarn Park side who finished the half strongest, scoring 10 points in quick succession as half time approached. First, Wright dissected the posts from straight in front to regain a seven point lead.
Then came a moment of magic from the Ballynahinch midfield as Willie Stewart pierced the defence before offloading to centre partner Callum McLaughlin and the youngster’s quick footwork and acceleration saw him round fullback Ali Beckett and touch down under the posts. Wright had the simple task of adding the extras for a 3-17 half-time-lead.
Omagh started the second half strongly and a sustained period of pressure and the concession of a series of penalties led to the sin binning of Ballynahinch replacement forward Gareth Gill.
But a combination of terrific defence from Hinch and wasteful play from Omagh with ball-in-hand, which was characterised by handling errors, meant the latter were unable to capitalise on the one man advantage.
Once they returned to their full complement, the County Down side completely dominated the closing stages of the game. Wright missed another penalty with about 15 minutes left on the clock and his side also squandered a couple of good try-scoring opportunities. Indeed, Omagh did well to thwart these attacks with some key turnovers just metres from their own try line.
And so it was Ballynhinch captain Kenny Morton who lifted the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, ensuring that the club's dream of lifting two trophies this week, remains alive.
The Hinch 1st XV will face Dungannon in the First Trust Senior Cup Final at Kingspan Stadium on Thursday night. Tickets for that clash are still available from ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.