Valley victorious in senior debut

It was an historic day for the Tyrone men as they returned to Upritchard Park after a break of several years following Bangor’s promotion to the All Ireland League in 2016. Whereas Bangor had enjoyed senior rugby earlier in their history, this game marked their first ever competitive game at senior level – something they would certainly want to celebrate. With this in mind, they fielded a side that had been largely responsible for their amazing league run last season. For Bangor’s part, with several players still unavailable, this was an opportunity to experiment with player positioning and also to gauge the squad’s progress through the pre-season training. However, it was a delight to welcome Craig Gilroy back to Upritchard Park, with his last game for Bangor back in April 2009 when he was part of the QL2 winning team that season. Following a glittering career with Ulster and Ireland, Craig has taken on the role of player/coach, and is sure to be a great asset to Bangor’s senior squad. With the sun shining on the pristine pitch (thanks to the hard work over the summer by our dedicated band of volunteers in the Utilities Team) the scene was set for what would hopefully be an exciting season opener.

From Clogher’s opening kick-off, the early signs weren’t looking good for Bangor. The big Clogher forwards dominated the scrums, while the backs were full of running and quick passing. Despite being on the back foot for most of the first quarter, Bangor managed to restrict the visitors to one converted try. However, just seven minutes after this score, Bangor set up an attack from within their own half which saw Connor Scollan break away down the left wing. Having evaded a Clogher tackler, he chipped over the advancing defence and the foot race began. As the ball bounced towards the Clogher goal area, who other than ‘turbo’ Gilroy was on hand to gather it and force his way over for the try. Unfortunately Mark Widdowson scuffed his conversion attempt, but Bangor were right back in the fray at 5-7.

On the half hour mark, Widdowson made up for his earlier slip-up with an excellent positional kick which gave Bangor an attacking lineout deep inside the Clogher twenty two. A good lineout was followed by a concerted drive which Clogher pulled down, conceding a penalty as a result. Seizing the moment, Widdowson took a quick tap and dived over in the left hand corner for a try which he then converted, putting Bangor in the lead by 12-7.

Unfortunately, this was as good as it got for Bangor. Clogher immediately responded and were soon rewarded with a penalty in front of Bangor’s posts. The swirling wind proved troublesome for the kicker, whose attempt was pushed wide of the mark, and Bangor could breathe again. However, Clogher continued to attack and a few minutes later Mike Weir was shown a yellow card for a high tackle under the new rules – something that might have passed with a caution last year. Clogher saw their opportunity to exploit the extra man advantage and were soon camped on Bangor’s five metre line. Bangor defended valiantly, but the pressure eventually told when Craig Burton was caught coming in from the side at a ruck and was also shown a yellow card. With Bangor now reduced to 13 men, Clogher took full advantage and, with the final play of the first half a couple of minutes later, they scored their second try which was also converted, to take a 12-14 lead at half time.

From a Bangor point of view, to be only two points behind at half time was not a bad situation to be in given their stuttering first half performance. However, as the second half got underway, and Bangor still with two men in the sin bin, Clogher struck quickly to add another converted try and stretch their lead to 12-19. Although Bangor soon returned to full strength, Clogher were now into their stride and, despite Bangor’s improved efforts, stamped their authority on the game with two further tries, the last of which being the best of the day with great offloads and slick passing leaving the Bangor defence in disarray.

Losing by 12-31 at home in the opening game of the season is disappointing by any standard, and the prospect of travelling to Shaw’s Bridge next weekend to face a rampant Instonians side is hardly an easy follow-up fixture. However, with the main focus being set on a long All Ireland League campaign starting in October, Bangor will hopefully learn and improve in the current areas of deficiency over the next few games.