With the 1sts enjoying a rest week in their All Ireland League schedule, all eyes at Upritchard Park were focussed on the 2nds and 3rds who faced stiff opposition in their respective leagues. However, Bangor’s steadily developing senior squad has meant that, unlike last season, they can field competitive teams garnered from a wide range of ages and abilities, so each of these games was met with great anticipation.

The earlier bad weather had passed as Dungannon kicked off into a slight breeze, and from the outset were putting the home side under intense scrutiny. Although Bangor struggled to get out of their own twenty two, they defended effectively and denied Dungannon several scoring opportunities. However, during the course of being under this sustained pressure, Bangor were reduced to 14 men after Curtis Stewart was yellow carded for repeated penalty offences. If the normal run of play was to be believed, Dungannon should have capitalised on their manpower advantage. Instead, it was Bangor who created a break from deep within their own half and, after great support play from forwards and backs alike, the move was finished off with a storming run by Josh Nelson who touched down under the posts. Gareth Millar added the straightforward conversion to give his side an unexpected 7-0 lead, with 11 minutes played.

Having weathered the early pressure, then opened the scoring, and now back to full strength, there was a growing sense of confidence within the Bangor camp. Although Dungannon enjoyed several periods of attacking possession, it was Bangor who were the more effective in turning attacks into points. Three further tries from Andrew Jackson, Davy Charles and Curtis Stewart, and another conversion from Millar extended Bangor’s lead to 26-0, with the try bonus point also secured, and all before half time.

The second half started with Bangor adding another try, this time from Lewis Bret, and with Bangor’s lead now 31-0 it looked like Dungannon would fold and the game would be all but over. However, Dungannon’s forwards had other ideas and picked up two tries in quick succession following several drives for the line, and reduced Bangor’s lead to 31-12.

Having perhaps been guilty of a loss of concentration, Bangor regained their composure and sensibly played to contain their opponents and prevent any further scores. Unfortunately, despite several opportunities for themselves, Bangor failed to add to their tally, but as the referee blew for the end of the game, they could celebrate a convincing and worthy win. With the 3rds also recording an emphatic 35-0 bonus point win against Cooke, it was certainly a good day for the Upritchard Park faithful.

All Ireland League rugby returns next weekend when Bangor 1sts host Bruff. As confidence across the whole of the senior squad continues to build, Bangor will be hoping to add another win to their tally and maintain their position at the top end of the league table.