On a barely playable pitch Ballynahinch second's ran out worthy winners n this Junior Cup pool clash. Forward power was the desire factor, as the Hinch pack took the game to Clogher Valley. Seldom did their opponents give a decent platform to attack from; such was the dominance of the home eight. Indeed it is difficult to recall an instance when the home line was threatened.

Hinch started in confident fashion trying to run the ball where possible. However, this was proving difficult on the mud bath of a pitch. Dropped and knocked on passes were the noun and entertaining rugby it was not. Much of the first half was spent with the Hinch forwards working the ball up field, only for ex Ballynahinch star, Glenn Kyle to kick deep.

It was strange to see the former Hinch winger playing at outhalf but his probing punts were causing problems for the Ballynahinch back three. With a heavy wet ball and slippery underfoot, it was like Bambi on ice. Difficult under the high ball yet enjoyable for the spectators.

The only score of the half came through the forwards, gathering the ball on the Valley 22 they drove all the way to their opponents' line. As the maul gained momentum some of the Hinch backs joined in to lend extra weight surging over the tryline. Lloyd Jones emerged with the ball and James McBrair added the

extras. Valley did have a chance to open their account but Glenn Kyle proved he is not a natural striker of the ball when a relatively simple kick went wide. H.T 7:0.

The Hinch tactics in the second period were more of the same, they put more men behind the deep kicks and used this as a platform from which to attack. The pack were gradually strangling their opponents with powerful scrummaging and driving mauls. The only surprise was it took thirty minutes to kill their dogged opponents off. When it came it was well worth the wait, a forty metre forward drive took the ball almost to the Valley line. When the pack eventually decided that the backs could play to, James McBriar put a clever little grubber behind the Valley defence for Pete Glass to touchdown under the posts, McBriar adding the extras.

The thirty players now all looked alike a chocolate colour. Valley heads dropped as they realised on this occasion they were a beaten side. On the final whistle Hinch had a lineout five metres out. Michael Davidson’s clean catch was quickly moved to Phil Orr. As the Valley forwards closed on Davidson, Orr ploughed over in the corner for the final score.

An impressive victory against a team that had won its previous three pool matches. A result which leaves the Hinch and Clogher Valley on the same number of points. At the time of writing a playoff looks likely, based on this performance Ballynahinch will be quietly confident.