With each team in the seconds league having played each other once, the top four of Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Harlequins and Instonians form their own group, and now play each on a home and away basis. Three weeks without a game was far from ideal preparation for this tough encounter. Captain Andy Glenn was a spectator as he awaits a precaution scan on his damaged knee. Ian Wallace switched from his normal tight head position as the Hinch welcomed Gary Crowe into the second row for the ex-Wallace High School mans debut for the seconds.

Playing with wind advantage Hinch had the better of the first half. The pack in a keenly contested match shaded the tight exchanges with Ballynahinch front row in good form, and Michael Davidson, Gary Crowe and Jonny Graham more than holding their own in lineouts.

James McBriar opened the scoring with a penalty after Ballymena were penalised, the referee moved the kick ten metres after back-chat from the home side. Ballymena reciprocated as the visitors were then penalised and twice marched backwards for idle chat, from an over fussy referee.

Good ground from Thomas Turner taken on by Jonny Viner set up the Hinch's best chance of try before half time. Camped on the Ballymena line a series of shotgun and choas moves could not breach a well-organised home defence as the first period finished 3:3.

The Ballymena outhalf missed an early second half penalty, as a tap and go from McBriar took play from his own 22 to the home sides 22. However, as it

proved on several occasions Hinch lacked the cutting edge behind the scrum. A penalty from thirty metres put Ballymena in front for the first time and a similar attempt went wide shortly afterwards when a Hinch player pulled his opposing man into a ruck.

The first try was going to be crucial on a pitch that was cutting up rapidly. Ballynahinch after being pinned in their own 22 for a period broke up-field through Lloyd Jones. The ball was turned over at the ruck and was moved along the backs for the Ballymena fullback to appear on the wing and sprint 60 metres to touch down under the posts.

Play burst into action and the final twenty minutes were by far the best of the afternoon. Straight from the kick off Hinch forced five-metre scrum. An excellent strike and drive had the ball over the try line only for the Hinch hearts to be broken as they lost control in the act of scoring. James McBriar did reduce the deficite shortly afterwards with a penalty after excellent work from David Steele.

Play switched from end to end and it was Ballymena who sealed it after their centres combined to fashion a fine score close to the posts. To their credit the Hinch took the game back to Ballymena as Richard Orr completed the scoring with a fine try after excellent rucking rugby from the pack.

Next week the two's are at home to Dungannon II, greater penetration in the backs will be required if the Hinch are to collect the points.

P. Glass, J. Viner, T. Turner, G. Taylor, M. McCormick, J. McBriar, J. Coen, J. Graham, P. Orr, G. Crowe, M. Davidson, R. Orr, D. Steele, I. Wallace.