AIL Division 1
Ballynahinch 21 Lansdowne 24
By James Kirk
SHORN of their Ulster contingent by the mid-season friendly with Queensland Reds at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night and with cup fixtures for the rest of the adult teams, Ballynahinch were stretched to the limit as they took the field against Lansdowne on Saturday.
That they went toe to toe with the most heavily resourced teams in the AIL and were within a couple of metres from the winning score at the end of 80 energy-sapping minutes says much for the quality of the squad, the input of the coaching team and the never-say-die play for the badge mentality of everyone involved.
Mark Best returned from a concussion to take his place in midfield alongside George Pringle with Paul Kerr at out-half. Up front, Kelvin Hamilton continued to deputise at hooker for Claytan Milligan while skipper Bradley Luney continues in his favoured position of number eight.
The game proved to be extremely entertaining and a superb advert for the AIL, as the lead changed hands throughout.
Ballynahinch made a slow start and when Lansdowne scored, almost unchallenged from a lineout drive, the situation looked ominous. However, the home side gathered themselves and repelled the next wave of Lansdowne attacks before scoring two excellent tries.
Conor Rankin dotted down a superb chip over the top by Mark Best and then Luney finished a break from the outstanding Rankin to take his side into the lead.
Lansdowne replied before halftime with another forward try and Ballynahinch also lost the services of winger Ronan Patterson to a nasty ankle injury and were further disrupted by a yellow card as Lansdowne piled on the pressure before the interval.
In the full report read how Ballynahinch staged a valiant effort in the second half.
