Gryphons bag bonus at Banbridge

Bangor Gryphons travelled to Rifle Park to play Banbridge and came away with a bonus point win that all but wraps up the Provincial League Division 6 title. Despite being undefeated this season, the Gryphons had begun to play poorly in recent weeks and, with a mounting injury list throughout the club, it was going to be a tough day at the office for the young team.

The game began with Bangor playing with the wind behind them throughout the first half. Eventually this was rewarded with a try from James Neil following an offload from manager Richard Lacey. Neil was then able to score a second try after a chip and chase from Chris Walton. Walton added the conversion and a penalty to bring the score-line to 0-15 at half time.

Playing into a strong wind in the second half was always going to be hard for Bangor and a prolonged period of pressure from Banbridge saw them cross the line for a converted try to draw closer at 7-15.

From this point changes were made by the coaching staff, and a very mature performance allowed Bangor to not only withstand the attacks that Banbridge were mounting but also enable them to play their usual expansive and free flowing game, even in the difficult conditions.

Bangor scored a try that changed the momentum of the game through Josh Nelson from short range towards the left hand corner after a number of flowing back line moves and excellent ball retention from the pack. Substitute Ned Stewart, returning after a number of weeks out from injury, assumed the kicking responsibilities. It was apparent that he was a bit rusty as he slipped while taking the kick (a la John Terry in the Champions League final) and with the difficult conversion then hitting the post it provided a laugh for all in attendance.

A few minutes later more great handling and running from the back line put Jonathan Baxter into space out wide, where he then sprinted and dived for the corner, finally touching down for what looked like the all-important bonus point try. However, following a protest from the Banbridge players, the referee reversed the decision with a lineout awarded to the home side.

Bangor, however, were not to be denied. As the end of the game approached, a scrum was stolen against the head and Chris Walton darted to the blind side. He then passed to Ned Stewart who showed great pace to beat the covering defence and score under the posts. This time Stewart was able to remain on his feet and converted his try to bring the game to a close with Bangor finally recording a bonus point win by 7-27.

Although now within touching distance of the league title, the Gryphons know that they must maintain their focus to add the one extra point from their remaining games that will confirm them as champions.