Hinch expect derby victory with Nelson
BACK-TO-BACK wins have helped bring valuable momentum for Ballynahinch as they head to Ballymena for what is still expected to be a keenly contested Ulster derby.
Even though Hinch are six places ahead of coach Andy Graham’s bottom-placed side, the visitors to Eaton Park are expecting quite a battle as the Braidmen, off the back of last weekend’s morale-lifting home win over Old Belvedere, are scrapping for everything to escape their current position.
Hinch’s focus, though, is on the upper part of the table as they now find themselves in fourth and within range of leaders Malone, who are just two points ahead.
The victory at Old Wesley last weekend was an impressive re- sult for Hinch, though they will have to do without Kyle McCall this weekend as the loosehead prop has been called up by Ulster, and tight-head Tom O’Toole is not released as he is also on Ulster’s bench.
Still, the Co Down side should have Peter Nelson — who kicked 17 points at Wesley — and prop Tommy O’Hagan.
Ballymena should have Ulster hooker John Andrew released again and their back row will be bolstered once more by the presence of Clive Ross and Marcus Rea.
Backs Robert Baloucoune and Bruce Houston could also be turning out for the Braidmen, who now sit three behind ninthplaced Old Belvedere.
“We have to back it up (beating Old Belvedere last Saturday) and get another win and keep pushing on,” said Graham (below).
“Because of where we are in the table we have no other option to give it our all, we have to come out fighting,” he added. Leaders Malone host Old Wesley and coach Paddy Armstrong’s squad are eager to bounce back after losing at Banbridge last weekend.
It was only Malone’s second defeat in seven games but with Naas a mere point behind and only two points separating the Gibson Park squad from Banbridge, Hinch and St Mary’s College, the win needs to be secured.
Selection-wise, promising winger Ben McGaughey returns after playing for Ulster Under-19s, while Ulster Academy centre Stewart Moore should again be available. Ulster hooker Adam McBurney and prop Ross Kane could also be togging out.
Banbridge are at St Mary’s and should have Caleb Montgomery, Greg Jones and Jonny Stewart all released from Ulster.
James Hume may also play, as might Rob Lyttle, who has been out since the start of the season with a knee injury.
Sixth-placed City of Armagh are also looking to hit back after losing out at Buccaneers when they host Naas at the Palace Grounds.
1B: Ballymena v Ballynahinch, City of Armagh v Naas, Malone v Old Wesley, St Mary’s v Banbridge
On target: Peter Nelson