Runciman stars in debut for Fifths

Ballynahinch Sevenths 10

BANN Fifths entertained neighbours Ballynahinch Evergreens in the Magners Minor League on Saturday.

The conditions were perfect for what turned out to be an entertaining, honest but hard match.

Things did not start off well for Bann as they kicked off with 14 players which meant Mark Irwin moved from blindside forward to the right wing for the opening 10 minutes.

During this opening period Bann were able to keep ‘Hinch pinned in their 22 and the pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty which was missed. Bann kept the pressure on and Ferguson was just off target with a drop goal attempt.

Banns 15th player arrived in the shape of Michael Runciman, playing his first senior game. With the pack back to eight men and under the direction of scrum half Thompson, they began to take control.

Following a clean lineout the ball reached centre Rob Moorhead who scythed through the defence to score. The kick was strangely missed to leave Bann 5-0 up.

Bann continued on the offensive and following a speculative kick ahead from full-back McKearney he was able to gather and make ground. His only options outside him were a prop, a flanker and a second row but he gave the ball out.

Prop Andy Gorringe took over, linked with Andy Armstrong and his pass put Paul Cairns in for the try. Laverty tried his luck at the conversion and effortlessly stroked it over to leave the half time score 12-0.

As expected Ballynahinch came out in the second half with all guns blazing and three fresh sets of legs. But Bann weathered the storm and 15 minutes into the half were awarded another penalty which Laverty again converted.

Ballynahinch struck back when their big winger cut inside and broke several tackles to score. The conversion was missed to leave the score 15-5.

From the kick-off Bann worked their way up field and won a lineout. Following another good maul Kerrigan drove over to score in the corner, taking a couple of ‘Hinch players with him. The referee awarded the try but then the touch judge arrived to say that a foot had touched the line and a lineout was awarded.

The anguish and disappointment of Kerrigan was evident. But this only inspired him to assist in turning over the ball from the resulting lineout and when the ball was passed along the backline to the far wing Laverty finished it off in the corner. The conversion was missed to leave the score 20-5.

Both sides battled hard and when ‘Hinch were awarded a penalty and took a lineout with the last play of the game Bann’s minds were obviously on this week’s Butler Shield semi-final as no-one really attempted to stop the winger in midfield as he touched down.

This was a good team performance although the pack did tire in the second half. It was evident all players were fighting for their place in this week’s starting team.

Runciman had an excellent game, even though playing out of position on the right wing. He had a couple of great runs and was very secure under high balls and indeed was unlucky not to score having made the hard yards by beating two defenders.

Unfortunately he will not be available for the Butler Shield game against Inishowen Seconds.