Bangor 3rds (the Gryphons) faced PSNI 2nds at Upritchard Park in the semi-final of the Forster Plate competition. These sides have already met each other twice this season, and both were bruising encounters with Bangor finishing in front on each occasion. Having already won the Provincial League Division 6 at the first attempt, Bangor now wanted to maintain their winning streak and take another step closer to getting their hands on some silverware.

In keeping with the previous games, this proved to be another tough and tight match. Although Bangor were ahead by 12-6 at half time, the game was far from secure. However, when Bangor added a penalty in the second half to extend their lead to 15-6, things looked a little bit more comfortable.

The visitors were not going to give in that easily and started to put Bangor under pressure. Bangor’s situation wasn’t helped by picking up 2 separate yellow cards, which PSNI took advantage of and scored a converted try to narrow the score to 15-13. As the game entered stoppage time, play was still inside Bangor’s twenty two. However, the home side managed to hold their concentration to the final whistle and deny PSNI the single scoring opportunity they required.

The Gryphons now look forward to facing Dungannon 3rds in the Forster Plate final. With the Dungannon side a full two divisions ahead of Bangor in the Provincial Leagues, this will be the Gryphons’ toughest test so far. Hopefully they can maintain their head of steam and produce another determined performance to bring them further success as they aim to finish their already remarkable season with a flourish.