Bangor left empty-handed again

As Bangor started into the next batch of three games in Division 2C, they would have been well aware that this was likely to be the toughest set so far. With Enniscorthy sitting at the top end of the table with Clogher Valley and Galwegians, league points would be hard to come by.

As the game got underway, despite being repeatedly pushed back into their own half for most of the first quarter Bangor had managed to limit Enniscorthy’s scoring chances to just one penalty which put the visitors ahead by 0-3. While Enniscorthy were clearly winning the territorial battle, their attack in the opening exchanges looked blunt. By contrast, Bangor looked dangerous when running with the ball in their hands, and this was clearly obvious when Rob Gamble won the ball at a ruck and used his pace to break through the Enniscorthy back line before passing to Connor Lusty in close support. Another pass found Danny Young who side-stepped the last defender before crossing the line for a well worked try. The cross-field breeze thwarted Rhys Larmour’s conversion attempt, but Bangor had their noses ahead by 5-3, and were looking good value for it.

Although this was all very positive, the high penalty count and unreliable lineout set piece was hurting Bangor, and certainly spoiled a number of good attacking opportunities. Enniscorthy used this to their advantage and in the closing minutes of the first half had an attacking lineout close to Bangor’s 5 metre line. Despite having a shaky lineout, Bangor’s defence was solid and this enabled them to turn over possession before clearing the ball to touch. At least that was the plan, but the quickly advancing Enniscorthy players charged down the ball, then chased the ball over the line to score a cruel try. With the addition of the conversion, Enniscorthy had snatched the lead back by 5-10 as the referee blew for half time.

To concede a try in these circumstances is always painful, but Bangor’s touchline realists were pleased that their side was still – perhaps unexpectedly – very much in the game. However, to concede again within the opening minutes of the second half was not the start they needed. To add insult to injury, Bangor also received a yellow card during the attack. Now 5-15 ahead and with the extra man advantage, Enniscorthy may have had expectations of scoring again. However, Bangor defied the odds by putting on another great series of running and passing moves that Enniscorthy couldn’t contain, resulting in Connor Scollan squeezing over in the corner for a try and, with an excellent touchline conversion by Larmour, Bangor were right back in contention at 12-15.

Once again, Enniscorthy resorted to their territorial kicking game. Having applied a period of sustained pressure, they were eventually rewarded with a try in the left hand corner. While the conversion appeared to have missed the target – with both touch judges failing to raise their flags – the referee deemed the kick to be good and Enniscorthy’s lead moved further ahead to 12-22.

There could be no argument about the quality and skill of Enniscorthy’s next, bonus point try. A good backline move straight from the training ground stretched the Bangor defence before breaking through for a clear run to the line.

Bangor were now 12-29 behind and, with just 10 minutes left to play, looking like their game was over. However, when Enniscorthy lost a player to the sin bin for a high tackle on Scollan, Bangor grasped their opportunity and pushed forward first through the forwards before putting Adam Lowry clear for a run through to touch down between the posts. Gareth Millar quickly added the conversion to move Bangor back to 19-29.

With time running out, there were still hopes that Bangor could at least salvage a losing bonus point, if not also a try scoring point. Of course, Enniscorthy would have been well aware of the situation and, as Bangor conceded yet another penalty close to their own twenty two, the visitors sensibly opted for the kick for goal, which they successfully converted to dash Bangor’s last hopes. Within minutes the game was over and, while the final scoreline of 19-32 might be viewed as somewhat flattering for Enniscorthy, Bangor were once again left pondering what might have been.

Bangor now have the dubious privilege of being the only team in Division 2C not to have recorded a win so far. Results from other fixtures didn’t help either, and Bangor are now languishing at the foot of the table. However, while there is a sense of bewilderment as to the poor run of results, this performance had plenty to feel positive about. With better control in the lineouts and tighter discipline to reduce the penalty count, Bangor will hopefully soon find a way to start picking up league points again.