Suffren And Soper To Rally ‘Hinch

Derek Suffren and Daniel Soper have been chosen as the men to lead Ballynahinch back to AIB League Division Two by the end of next season.

…Willie Anderson has bowed out at Ballymacarn Park…

Derek Suffren and Daniel Soper have been chosen as the men to lead Ballynahinch back to AIB League Division Two by the end of next season.

‘Hinch were relegated from the second tier on the final day of the 2005/06 campaign, going down 16-14 to Barnhall in heartbreaking fashion at Parsonstown. Barnhall out-half and captain Eoin Burke kicked an injury-time drop goal to send the County Down side hurtling down to Division Three.

‘Hinch have had “an amicable split” with director of rugby Willie Anderson, with Suffren, a past player with the club, and former Banbridge player-coach Soper being installed as the new coaching team this week.

Former Ireland lock and captain Anderson, 51, is set to help out the club with specialist sessions next year, if required.

Suffren has been appointed as the new director of rugby while Soper, a noted full-back and out-half, will operate as player/coach with an extra responsibility as backs coach.

‘Hinch has lost two players during the transfer period – both to Division One outfits. Ireland Under-21 scrum half Paul Marshall has signed for Belfast Harlequins while Ulster Academy centre Mark Scott is off to Dungannon.

‘Hinch’s new signings include talented Queen’s University scrum half Adam Bartholomew, winger Aaron Ferris and verstaile goal-kicker Peter Connell, who plays cricket for North Down.