AIL 2025-2026 Round 8 – Ballynahinch RFC v First XV
Ballynahinch RFC V St Mary’s College RFC
0 14
Energia AIL Division 1 A
Ballymacarn Park
6th December 2025
Overall
Going north, the drenching rain and the grey spray from cars and lorries swirled and melted into murky mist as it drove against the windscreen, making morning into late day and driving a tough chore, but the journey was to Ballynahinch and so it was worth it. Certainly, no matter the weather, the journey is different, as the last 25K is a maze of rural roads. It is possible that the location and the nature of the members, make it so attractive. The rigours of the journey dissipated when greeted by our old friends and sporting rivals.
The weather failed to respond to our wishes, as the dense rain persisted throughout most of the game, with the pitch becoming heavy, and that suited neither team. It did mean that there was a plethora of scrums and after an initial equality, soon the Mary’s scrum became a mangling machine, winning territory and penalty after penalty, and it must be noted that this pertained not only with the original pack was active but equally so when the pack was shuffled. Both sets of front rows were masterful. Indeed, the pack was in the ascendency in all respects. The backs worked hard in defence and going forward, with Dan Goggins at 12, carrying incessantly and backed by his cohorts with fearless effort. Considering the conditions, the lineouts and mauls were efficient too. One could see that Hinch have a lot of talent, including very promising young James Humphreys, son of the brilliant David Humphreys; but as with their visitors, the weather did not suit their needs. It will be a different contest when they meet in the return game 24th January 2026 at Templeville Road. In fact, both teams can be proud of the sporting encounter which never was testy and both teams gave of their very existence. It has to be remembered that the Captain, Conor Dean, was on the bench, and MoM of last week, Myles Carey, was missing, as were Ethan Baxter, Aaron O’Neill and Conor Hayes, who is making progress.
Mary’s entire squad were absolutely committed. The backrow was relentless, with pitch Skipper, Ronan Watters, outstanding. He seems never to tire and always ready to put himself in the way of defensive and carrying duties. He has the bravery and energy of a Tasmanian-Devil. Today he was to be seen where the action was, working incessantly and leading. He scored the two tries which ensured we stay top and came away with four points. He was awarded the Manverton MoM Award to the condign acclamation of his teammates, presented by VP, Stephen Shirley.
Scores
After 18 minutes and a preponderance of territory and possession, Mary’s mauled a lineout near the Hinch 22. Ronan took possession of the ball and he drove himself forward. Evading tackles and driving through defenders, from the 22. He staggered, but held his feet and went over under the posts. Mick O’Gara converted. 0-7.
We continued to attack but Hinch defended well and got a few chances too. Half Time it was 0-7.
It was 13 minutes gone in the second half when we took a scrum, Mighty Mick and Tommer set themselves and the ball went in, The scrum moved forward then drove onward over the line Ronan took the ball and dived irresistibly over. Again, Mick converted 0-14. Both teams came close, but Mary’s looked fairly well in control to the end. It was 0-14.
There were smiles galore and anthems sung. The Head Coach Mark McHugh was pleased to see his team could play under all conditions. Most popular President Logan was elated with the victory, and congratulated his team with praise. It was a sporting occasion with no exultation or non-fitting celebration and all mingled happily with their generous and welcoming hosts.
Lansdowne, having been beaten by UCD this weekend, will be full out for their visit to Templeville Road, which they will see as a vital one to stay in contention. We will likewise be highly motivated to end the first half of the league campaign on top. The lunch has been booked out for some time, so a big attendance is expected. We must make sure we have the attendance of our supporters to ensure we are not out-roared. Hopefully, we will hear Marys-Marys-Marys! Loud and often.
We left for home with smiles and good memories of our special friends from Ballynahinch.
Christmas is on its way, so come and celebrate and Do it for Deano!
Team (12 changes during the game)
15 R Shields, 14 L Ramirez, 13 M Fogarty, 12 D Goggin, 11 A O’Sullivan, 10 M O’Gara, 9 R Gilsenan, 8 R Watters, 7 F Burke, 6 J Gimblett, 5 D Leane, 4 G Jones, 3 A Sparrow, 2 J Nelson-Murray, 1 O Michel, 16 R Bergin, 17 T O’Reilly, 18 M McCormack, 19 David Leane, 20 A McEvoy, 21 C Dean (Capt.).
D O’Brien.
