Match predictions are always a tricky matter, especially in cup ties, but as Dungannon 2nds compete in a league higher than Bangor, with bigger and more experienced players, and having home advantage for this game, the odds certainly looked stacked in their favour.

As Bangor kicked off with the wind at their backs, it soon looked like the form book was not going to apply on this occasion. Although Bangor’s pack struggled against the bigger Tyrone men, their backs were finding space to run at their opponents. This came to the fore when Bangor just managed to hold their own scrum on the halfway line before getting the ball to Cain Croft in the centre. Having shrugged off the initial tackles, he sprinted through the Dungannon defence for the opening try of the game, which Shaun Fair duly converted, to give Bangor a 0-7 lead after 6 minutes of play.

Dungannon quickly clawed back three points with a close range penalty, but within minutes of the restart, Bangor turned over a Dungannon lineout, then James Shiells broke clear before passing to Frankie Shivers who finished off the move with a try in the left hand corner. Shaun Fair was on target with the conversion again, which lifted Bangor’s lead to 3-14.

The frantic and see-sawing pace of the opening quarter continued when Dungannon were awarded a penalty inside Bangor’s twenty two. They brought up their big forwards for the tap penalty, and after a couple of phases forced their way over from close range to score their opening converted try.

Just 3 minutes later, it was Bangor who won a penalty, albeit a long way out. However, with the wind behind him, Shaun Fair’s kick just cleared the crossbar, which kept Bangor ahead by 10-17. Unfortunately, the game started to swing away from them at this point, as injuries, substitutions and improved Dungannon play took its toll. Once again the strong Dungannon pack forced their way over again from close range to level the scores, then another penalty from in front of Bangor’s posts gave the home side a 20-17 lead by the close of the first half.
As the second half got underway, Bangor were thrown a lifeline when a clumsy tackle by Dungannon resulted in a yellow card for the home side. However, this did little to hamper a visibly rejuvenated Dungannon and, in contrast to the patchy backline play of the first half, they simply ran across the pitch, slipping the Bangor tackles, before rounding the last defender for a well-taken score in the right hand corner. As Dungannon continued to turn the screw, it was soon Bangor’s turn to receive a yellow card after a deliberate knock-on. In contrast to how Bangor failed to exploit their earlier manpower advantage, Dungannon made good use of their extra man as they created a backline overlap and run through for another converted try.

Now 34-17 behind, Bangor were struggling to rediscover their earlier good form and in their efforts to contain the improved Dungannon attack, the penalty count against them started to grow. A long range kick at goal looked to be on target, but the ball bounced back off the upright and into play again. In the ensuing confusion, it was Dungannon who proved to be the more alert as they regained possession and caught the Bangor defence off guard before adding another try.

As the game entered its final quarter Bangor were 41-17 behind and, with their opponents having one hand on the winner’s trophy, were now trying to salvage some pride from what was left of the game. Unfortunately, Dungannon were now playing with the confidence that comes with having such a substantial lead, and added another converted try to stretch their advantage to 48-17. However, from the restart Dungannon fumbled the ball and Croft was quick to take advantage of the rare opening as he sprinted around the Dungannon defence for a consolation try which was then converted by Jonah Topping.

The 48-24 scoreline was probably a fair reflection of the game, but in the dying moments a long speculative kick deep into Bangor’s twenty two bounced unkindly for Bangor and straight into the arms of the approaching Dungannon player, giving a simply jog through to touch down under the Bangor posts. The conversion marked the end of the game, and the home side could celebrate a convincing 55-24 victory.
This was always going to be a tough challenge for the Bangor players, but they certainly played with heart and determination, making the game an entertaining spectacle for the many Bangor spectators who had travelled to support them. The hope now is that the squad can regroup and prepare for their final league game at Upritchard Park next weekend, with the possibility of taking the league title if they can overcome Omagh 3rds in what should be another exciting encounter.