The utilities team had their hands full earlier in the week, battling against the conditions to try and get Upritchard Park ready to welcome league leaders Sligo. Their efforts were further hampered by more falling snow on Friday which completely covered the pitch. Although the surface underneath was soft, the referee wanted all lines and run-off areas surrounding the pitch cleared of snow to ensure a safe game. The call duly went out for volunteers to grab a shovel and do what they could to make the game happen. The first hardy folk arrived at 8:30am, followed by a steady stream of helpers, young and old, players and alikadoos, until there were in excess of 30 workers beavering away. What a fantastic turn-out, which was greatly appreciated by both clubs.

Meanwhile a large number of club members, as well as 14 travelling Sligo supporters, gathered in the clubhouse for lunch. As this was to be Bangor’s last AIL fixture to be played at home this year, our hard-working ladies prepared a full 3-course Christmas lunch for everyone. We at Bangor are indeed lucky to have such a team of talented and supportive ladies whose efforts in the kitchen play a major part in the successful running of the rugby section.

Eventually, it was the turn of the players to take centre stage. Sligo got the game started, in cold, but surprisingly good conditions. The hope was that Bangor would repeat their blistering opening performance from last week’s game. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case. Within the first 2 minutes, the Sligo backs were once again showing their skills and the combination of quick passing and secure hands saw their winger get the ball in just enough space to side-step the tackles and score in the left hand corner. The touchline conversion was then successfully kicked by Jack Keegan, who had previously broken Bangor hearts with his accuracy when at Sligo. Things didn’t get any better for Bangor when Keegan converted a penalty just a few minutes later, making the score 0-10. Bangor had a chance to narrow the scores when they were awarded a penalty from just outside the Sligo twenty two. However, Mark Widdowson’s scuffed his kick and the ball was well wide of the posts.

Sligo continued to pile on the pressure and were duly rewarded with a Sean O’Hehir try when he managed to drive over Bangor’s line, just at the foot of the posts. The simple conversion was added, putting the visitors now 0-17 ahead, with less than a quarter of the game played.

The sense of unease on the touchline must have struck a chord with the Bangor players. They raised their tempo and with 10 minutes remaining clawed back 3 points when Widdowson successfully kicked a penalty. However, this was quickly cancelled out when Sligo returned the compliment, once again through Keegan. Despite a frantic close to the half where Bangor laid siege to the Sligo line, the visitors held firm and turned around at half time with their 3-20 lead intact.

Bangor knew they had plenty to do in the second half if they were to take anything away from this game. Things weren’t made any easier when David Bradford was yellow-cared for an unfortunate tip tackle. However, Sligo were unable to capitalise and, in fact, it was Bangor who scored while down to 14 men when another Widdowson penalty brought the score to 6-20.

As the game entered its final quarter, it looked like Bangor were once again to be disappointed. But once again, they managed to find an extra gear that caught Sligo unprepared. Playing with an increased intensity, the Bangor forwards began to assert themselves, pressurising the scrums and rucks. As play moved infield, the pack drove again and this time Dave Caughey managed to get the ball down as he was pushed over the line by his team-mates. Unfortunately he was injured in the process, but this converted try had the double effect of not only surprising their opponents but also gave a renewed impetus to the Bangor cause. Sure enough, from this point on, the majority of attacking play came from the home side, with Sligo starting to look uneasy. The penalty count was increasing against Sligo and, from a Ross McCloskey kick from midfield, Bangor had a lineout close to the Sligo twenty two. The ball was cleanly won, and a rolling maul formed. From a full twenty metres out, the maul trundled forward until finally Jamie Clegg dropped over the line for Bangor’s second try which was also converted by Widdowson.

Suddenly the scores were even at 20 apiece, and a remarkable turn-around and possible victory now looked within Bangor’s grasp. Then, within a minute of the end of the game, Bangor were awarded another penalty, this time on the left hand side, and just outside the Sligo twenty two. Widdowson stepped up for the kick, but once again Bangor’s erratic place kicking let them down as the ball drifted just wide of the posts. With just enough time left for the restart, nerves were jangling on both sides, as any score now would be decisive. However, the game never got further than the half way line and, with the referee finally blowing for full time, both sides could reflect on a thrilling game of rugby, with honours shared. What a fitting end to a day focussed on teamwork, both on and off the field of play.

Although disappointed not to have taken at least one win from these two back-to-back fixtures against league leaders Sligo, Bangor should feel pleased to have picked up 3 points, where many another club in this league has left empty-handed. With a break now until the AIL campaign resumes in January, Bangor have time to improve further and face the second half of the season with renewed confidence and vigour.