| With the destination of Ulster Senior league title no longer in the control of Ballynahinch, Derek Suffern and Charlie McAleese decided to rest the majority of the senior players ahead of their back to back massive Ulster Bank League derby clashes against Harlequins and Dungannon during the next two weekends.
Willie Faloon and Ian Whitten were in Clermont playing for Ulster in the Heineken Cup. Nevin Spence was in the Irish Wolfhounds camp ahead of their clash with the Saxons in Exeter this weekend. Kyle McCall was with the Ireland U20 squad while Paddy McAllister, Jerry Cronin and James Simpson were playing with the Ravens at Ravenhill in the British and Irish Cup quarterfinals.
As a consequence Hinch fielded an under strength side for the visit of City of Derry to Ballymacarn Park. Andy Glenn was perhaps the most surprised to get the call up, the 3rdXV loose head, just back from the ski slopes of the French Alps, was joined by his 3rdXV collague Alan Irwin at tight head.
Derry were at full strength, and have been going well in the league so it was no surprise to see them take control early in the contest. It was a bitter day at Ballymacarn Park conditions were very cold and damp with a strong wind blowing across the pitch throughout the game, which made it difficult for players especially at line out time.
The visitors started with the slight wind advantage and were soon on top thanks to strong driving play from their lively pack where Sam Duffy, Chris Shields, Gareth Beattie and David Houston produced some strong drives to keep the Hinch on the back foot. Richard McCarter kicked two penalties in the 5th and 7th minutes giving Derry an early 0-6 lead following infringements at the breakdown.
In the 13th minute quick ball for scrum half Andrew Semple found Captain Sam McAuley loitering with intent on the wing to crash over for an unconverted try increasing the Derry lead to 0-11.
Hinch managed to steady the ship, getting some decent possession they eventually pulled themselves back into the game when Derry infringed in the 20th minute, James Lash converting the penalty to close the gap to 3-11.
Hinch came straight back at Derry from the restart, and good back play allowed outside centre Paddy James to bash his way through for an unconverted try in the 21st minute to reduce the arrears to 8-11.
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Derry once again rose to the challenge and David Funston, former Hinch player Adam Bratton, and Simon Logue produced flashes of outstanding attacking play. Pressure told on Hinch when they had their hooker Gavin Armstrong sin binned after 25 minutes.
A second Derry try came in 32nd minute when the Derry pack produced quality ball to produce a flowing movement through the middle of the Hinch defence. Sam Duffy drove forward and when stopped found Simon Logue who got in behind the home defence. As the Hinch struggled to close the gaps Andrew Semple found Peter Henderson who crossed for an excellent team try which left the score at 8-16.
Hinch started the second half in positive fashion and within 5 minutes their pack had worked their way into the Derry 22 where David Nicholson got in for an unconverted try which closed the gap to 3 points, Derry leading by 13-16.
From the restart Derry came right back at Hinch and excellent play in the 47th minute from Henderson, Funston and Bratton allowed McCarter to release winger William McCleery to show pace and power to score a real wingers try and with McCarter converting Derry had pulled clear 13-23 clear.
Hinch came straight back at Derry and after sustained pressure Paddy James crossed for his second try which went unconverted to close the gap again to 18-23.
Derry were always dangerous when they got inside the Hinch 22 and good lineout ball from Houston in the 65th minute was the platform for a training ground move which saw McCarter switch with McCleery coming in from the wing to touch down between the posts. McCarter added the extras to complete the scoring, Derry with the fourth try bonus winning 18-30.
On paper this looks like a poor result but when you consider the make up of the Hinch team was up from the 2’s and 3’s the final score is a very creditable effort indeed. The 2’s had played the Derry 2’s earlier in the afternoon, and with a scratch team of players from all over the club they recorded a very creditable victory 17-3.
Harlequins the week followed by Dungannon under floodlights at Ballymacarn Park the following Friday night will provide a double dose of excitement. With the chasing pack close on the heels of the men it is crucial that the winning momentum is maintained to keep the league title aspirations alive. Kick-off at Deramore Park this Saturday is at 2.30pm.
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