Buoyant Ballina topple Bangor in crucial AIL clash
Ballina’s Joe Murphy was among the try scorers last Saturday against Bangor. Picture: David Farrell Photography
All Ireland League
Ballina 47
Bangor 33
In Heffernan Park, Ballina
The bad weather had no bearing on the moods of the home supporters at Heffernan Park on Saturday afternoon as they watched their team power to a big, much-needed All Ireland League win against Bangor.
The need for the win was clear from the way Ballina played from the get-go as they raced into a big half-time lead, 21-7, playing quick, expansive and exciting rugby. After the break, there was no let-off as they pushed into a 47-7 lead.
The effort waned on Ballina ever so slightly and Bangor finished well to score a number of tries and put some gloss on the result but it was Ballina’s day ultimately.
Darragh Whyte enjoyed a memorable afternoon for a number of reasons. The birthday boy, playing at full-back, scored two tries and had another disallowed. He also kicked six conversions for good measure. Liam Whyte on the wing added another fine try before half time to give Ballina that big lead.
Jamie Thallon from Bangor’s second row provided their try but the visitors were finding very difficult to cope with Ballina. Gary Kavanagh was leading the Moysiders brilliantly from the front while Cody Chilcott and Cian Quinn were the creative spark at half-back.
By minute 63, Ballina were well out in front as Cian Quinn, Joe Murphy and Calum Quinn extended their lead to 42-7. Bangor hit back through Jamie Clegg and Matt Bougue before Calum Quinn got in behind again to make it 47-21.
Bangor enjoyed their best spell in the final ten minutes, far too late to have an impact on Ballina’s lead but they nonetheless got in for two more tries with Ryan McCarroll and Ryan Young the providers.
BALLINA: D Whyte, L Golden, C Quinn, J Murphy, B Nealon, C Chilcott, Cian Quinn; S Hopkins, C Mason, G Kavanagh, B Molloy, T Hannigan, C Hopkins, C Boyce, A Corduff Replacements: D Donegan, M Finnerty, C Anderson, N Keane, C Kelly BANGOR: R Young, M Widowson, A McIvor, J Cavanagh, D Young, R Lamour, A Lowry; A Jackson, T Boyd, J Leary, R Gamble, J Thallon, E Murray, M Bougue, M Weir Replacements: A Shaw, S Moore, R McCarroll, S Evans, J Clegg
