Tries from captain Stephen Baxter and wing Andy Breen earned the Tyrone men a 15-7 win over Donaghadee last year’s showpiece, adding to their triumphs in 2011 and 2012. It is a remarkable achievement to make the final again but they can expect stiff opposition from the County Down outfit.
MATCH PREVIEW
Both teams have progressed to the final with relative ease, particularly ‘Hinch, whose smallest winning margin was an impressive 19 points. They have scored 110 points in their three cup games to date and have conceded just 14 (including only one try). Clogher Valley enjoyed a comfortable path to the semi-finals where they met a talented Ballymena 2nds team and eventually came through by via a 24-17 scoreline.
The two sides have also demonstrated excellent league form, with the County Down men winning 15 of 17 games in their 2nd XV League schedule and Clogher losing just 3 of their 18 encounters.
‘Hinch have been boosted by the availability of captain James McBriar, who will start the game at outhalf. He will have experienced players like David Nicholson, David Harris and Aaron Ferris outside him in the backline, while dynamic flanker Josh Donaldson will be the go-to man in the pack. The ‘Hinch front five will have to work hard to match the power of their Clogher counterparts, particularly props Philip Moore and Rodney Bennett. Junior Ulster stalwart David Sharkey starts at the base of the scrum and will be pivotal, as ever, to the success of his side. Half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme have the potential to dominate a game and a controlled performance from them could ensure yet another Towns Cup title.
ROUTE TO FINAL
Ballynahinch 2nds
Round 1: bye
Round 2: beat Banbridge 2nds 42-6
Quarter-final: beat Enniskillen 44-3
Semi-final: beat Donaghadee 24-5
Clogher Valley
Round 1: bye
Round 2: beat Coleraine 25-0
Quarter-final: beat Armagh 2nds 27-3
Semi-final: beat Ballymena 2nds 24-17
TEAMS
Ballynahinch 2nds
(15-9): Michael Carson; Aaron Ferris, David Harris, Owen Jarvie, David Nicholson; James McBriar (captain), Christopher Gibson; (1-8): Christopher Stevenson, Andrew Harper, Kelvin Hamilton, Andrew Simpson, Christopher Napier, Keith Dickson, Joshua Donaldson, Gareth Gill;
Replacements (16-20): Conor Piper, Connor Phillips, Josh Gunson, Thomas Donnan, Ben McMullan.
Clogher Valley
(15-9): Paul Armstrong; Andrew Breen, Jack Stott, Philip Falconer, Clive Donaldson; Philip Holme, Aaron Best (captain); (1-8): Philip Moore, Kyle Cobane, Rodney Bennett, Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, Nathan Orr, Allister Treiner, David Sharkey;
Replacements (16-20): Ronan McAleer, Richard Primrose, Mark McKenna, Ryan Wilson, Mark Ellis.
TICKET INFO
Tickets will be available to purchase at the Onslow Parade Ticket Kisok from 1.30pm on Monday. Prices are £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. It is strongly advised that spectators purchase tickets online at home to avoid queues on the day. You can buy now by clicking here.
Two other finals also take place next week. Please click on the event title below to purchase tickets online.
Crawford Cup Final
Tuesday 7th April, 2.30pm
Omagh 2nds v Ballyanhinch 3rds
McCrea Cup Final
Wednesday 8th April, 7.00pm
Cooke v Queen’s University 2nds