Dromore Seconds 16
CUP fever gripped Ballymacarn Park for the latest round of the Crawford Cup.
Dromore’s hosts, Ballynahinch Thirds, are a league above Dromore and have been playing well. That, coupled with old rivalries, set the scene for a t
ense encounter.
Dromore welcomed back scrum half Roger Erwin from injury with the side being captained by Keith Watson.
From the first whistle Dromore took the game to Ballynahinch spoiling at every opportunity and pressurising the home team. This was rewarded 10 minutes into the match with a penalty in front of the posts, converted by full back Simon Houston.
This early score ignited Ballynahinch with Dromore being forced back into their own half. A swift break and crossfield backs move saw a try for the home team, which was duly converted.
The rest of the half swayed with neither team taking advantage until the last 10 minutes when Ballynahinch made a break down the wing and scored bringing the score to 12-3.
Dromore kept pushing forward and with five minutes on the clock were awarded a penalty, leaving the score 12-6 at half time.
The second half started with Ballynahinch stealing an early penalty increasing their lead to 15-3.
Dromore responded by charging at the ‘Hinch, rumbling into their 22 and driving towards the line. A ruck ensued and prop Sheepy Martin scored under the posts. This was converted by Simon Houston to make the score 13-15.
Dromoreattacked again from the restart and with positional kicking and a determined vigour forced a penalty in front of the posts. This was kicked giving Dromore the lead in the game with nine minutes to go.
Lack of concentration from the kick off saw an rumble by the Ballynahinch forwards deep into Dromore’s half. Frustrated this drive was brought down illegally and the resultant penalty saw The lead change yet again.
As play resumed Dromore would not give up, chasing and disrupting, but it was Ballynahinch who had the final say with another converted penalty, leaving the final score 21-16.
Credit must be given to all the Dromore players who gave their all. The cup run is over for another year and Dromore wish Ballynahinch all the best in the next round.
