With Harlequins 3XV unable to field a team against the thirds this was the Hinch men’s first outing since their impressive win over Ballymena 3XV prior to Christmas. It was evident that the boys had not played in quite some time. Davy Martin and Oran Fletcher, both played their come back matches after several months on the side line, both proving to be an asset to the team.

It was CIYMS 2’s who started the stronger, Hinch’s lack of structure and organisation was obvious allowing the visitors to take the early lead from the boot of their out-half who slotted two penalty goals thanks to the home side’s incompetence.

Although the Hinch side were able to cut through CI’s defence they were unable to capitalise, and had to wait until the 22nd minute for Calvin Morton to open up the opponents defence, he fed to Johnny Viner whom raced in to score, Clements converted.

CI replied with another penalty however this was to be their last points of the day. It was not through the brilliance of the home sides efforts which resulted in such a flattering score line, rather CI’s frailty hence the

rest of the afternoon was one way traffic. In the last quarter of the first half saw Pete Bell and Niall Montgomery both got their names on the try sheet, Clements converted the former. HT 19-9

The second half was all Hinch, they notched up 31 points thanks to two further tries from out-half Bell. Rodney Clark went over the whitewash for the first time this season, and both wingers Viner and Perry raced in from their own half as the rest of their team stood to watch. Clements converted three of the five tries.

A win for the 3’s, albeit very scrappy, if they are to make this season a success the 3rds know that they will have to pull their socks up as they will surely come up against much tougher opposition.

Team 15; O Fletcher, J Viner, S Geddis, D Martin, C Perry, P Bell, G Clements, R Craig, R Clark, N Davidson, J Mawhinney, M Byrne, H Gabbie, C Morton, N Montgomery.