DIVISION 1B
Dublin University 21
Ballynahinch 28
NO 8 Michael Graham was the hero for Ballynahinch as his stoppage-time try helped them to a dramatic victory over Dublin University.
Trinity got a brace of penalties from out-half David Joyce and a six-point advantage by the 17th minute. ‘Hinch left-wing Aaron Ferris then capitalised on a mistake by Neil Hanratty to score his side’s first try just three minutes later, and they followed this up with a penalty try with two minutes remaining in the half.
Michael Lawton was on hand to convert both of these scores, but thanks to a third successful place-kick from Joyce, Trinity only trailed their Ulster counterparts by five points (14-9) at the break.
Indeed, Tony Smeeth’s charges wiped out the ‘Hinch lead five minutes into the second period when flanker Pierce Dargan finished off a sweeping move across the opposition line. The outstanding Ferris brilliantly crossed over for his second five-pointer with a half-hour remaining, but relentless pressure just past the hour mark saw second-row Jack Kelly reaching over for Trinity, which levelled matters once more.
This set the tie up for a tantalising conclusion, but even though a draw looked a possibility, Graham had other ideas, and his powerful score underneath the posts was converted easily by Lawton, as ‘Hinch edge a step closer to automatic promotion to the top-flight