Bangor Under 20s continued their series of friendlies with a home fixture against Clogher Valley. The big men from County Tyrone had already a number of solid winning performances under their belt and would provide a tough test for Bangor despite their good win at Donaghadee the week before.

From the start, the Bangor set pieces struggled against the stronger Clogher pack. However, their crisp passing and support play soon paved the way to the opening try of the game when Shay Storey finished off an incisive Bangor attack to touch down under the Clogher posts and, with Danny Young’s added conversion, give the home side a 7-0 lead. It was only as the first half drew to a close, that Clogher responded with a sustained period of forward pressure which was finished off with a converted try to level the scores.

The half time team talks and player substitutions appeared to have favoured the visitors as they found another gear which kept Bangor under pressure and on the back foot for lengthy periods. It didn’t take long before Clogher took control, running in three further tries to move ahead by 7-26. A late rally by Bangor saw Gareth Wells power his way over the line to get his team’s score into double figures. However, with the last play of the game, Clogher cancelled this out with another try to bring the final score to 12-31.

This was always going to be a tough test for Bangor, but as the squad continues to develop there are many positive signs that should inspire confidence ahead of their next game at Upritchard Park against Ards on Friday night. Another North Down derby is sure to attract plenty of attention, and hopes are high that both sides can put on another entertaining and competitive display.