McCambley Cup disappointment for the Gryphons

It was perfect rugby weather as the Gryphons made their way to Gibson park to face Malone 5's in the semi final of the McCambley Cup. With a full squad due to zero injuries and a strong bench to choose from, the Gryphons were fired up for the task ahead.

Bangor started strong and with some clever play by scrum half on fire Chris Walton drew first blood within the first 20 minutes but could not convert, 5-0. Malone restarted and within 3 minutes brought the score to 5-5 with a soft try but a try none the less, another failed conversion kept the score tied at 5-5 and within 5 minutes Malone scored again, this time with a conversion, to bring the score to 12-5. Bangor restarted and with strong back play to the wing Ned Stewart got a try in the corner to bring narrow Malone's lead to 12-10.

At the start of the 2nd half, and following some powerful forward play, Bangor's Fitzy powered over the Malone try line to bring the score to 12-15 to Bangor. 10 minutes later Malone had a player sent to bin for repeated offences at the breakdown and Ned Stewart made use of the opportunity and added 3 points to the score board to bring the score to 12-18 to Bangor. Malone came straight back to score a try within 5 minutes and converted to bring the score to 19-18 Malone. After 10 minutes of what can only be described as ferocious defence from the Gryphons with some big hits and excellent work rate, the discipline from the young Bangor side dropped and were marched 30 metres back just outside their 22. Bangor's Lee Johnstone was then binned for repeated offside offences and Malone capitalised on a penalty to bring the score to 22-18. This was followed by a Malone try which. although unconverted, brought the score to 27-18. With only 11 minutes of play left the young Bangor side put absolutely everything they had to push Malone back into their 22 and forced a penalty to which Ned Stewart kicked to bring the score to 27-21 and 6 minutes of play left. Malone restarted and were able to steal a try and convert with 3 minutes of play left, bringing the final score to 34-21.

Having played with pride and to the best of their ability the young Bangor side kept their heads held high and now knuckle down to concentrate on a 2016 league title.