Hinch too strong for Bangor in Senior Cup

On a rare breeze less day at Upritchard Park Bangor entertained Ballynahinch in the quarter final of the First Trust Senior Cup. Having won this trophy for the last 3 seasons Hinch were clearly intent on keeping it as a very strong team took to the field. After 4 rounds of the Ulster Bank League the visitors are the highest ranked Ulster side sitting 2nd in Division 1B ; Bangor too have started well and lie 2nd in 2C.

Ballynahinch started brightly and were already a converted score up on 9 minutes when a poor line out after 18 minutes allowed former Bangor player Connor Piper to flop over unopposed . The conversion was again successful and Bangor had it all to do. The pack who had been competing well in the set piece started to play with more purpose and forced a scrum on the Hinch line. After a few resets Referee Peter Martin was left with no choice but to run to the posts and award a penalty try. It is worth noting that the Bangor first choice tight head James Leary was resting on the bench at this stage and Charlie Clegg who was impressive all afternoon cemented in beside Jackson and Whyte. With 7 minutes to half time the game felt more of a contest and the home side grew noticeably in confidence against their higher ranked opponents. Sadly on the stroke of half time the Hinch winger crossed for their third score with the half time score 21-7 in favour of the holders.

The second half was only under way when Hinch extended their lead to to 7-26 after a stern talking to at half-time by former Ulster Head Coach Brian McLoughlin. Both teams continued to attack throughout and by large both defences stood firm. The increased physicality took time to get to grips with but big shots in defence were greeted like scores by the Bangor faithful. One final try sealed a finals score of Bangor 7 Ballynahinch 33 and as expected the holders progressed to the semi final.

Bangor head coach Jason Morgan and player coach Lewis Stevenson will have been pleased by many facets of the game. The tempo and physicality on display was a demonstration of where we need to be as we continue to stay at the top end of our All Ireland League. Given Bangor rested Andrew Shaw, James Leary, Lewis Stevenson and James Henly from the pack it allowed others to gain 80 minutes of vital experience. With young guns Withers, Stewart and Bret again impressing along with a reminder from the bench that Davy Charles is back to his best there were many positives taken from the game. With a well deserved free week next Saturday for the 1st XV there will be no slow down at training. Competition for places is as intense as it has been in many years. The rest will hopefully allow time for the injured players to get back involved. Jamie Clegg, Ryan Latimer, Ali Lockhart, Jules Storey and Chris Jordan all will be pushing hard for their opportunity. Next up we are away to Malahide in All Ireland League 2C on Saturday 28th October.