On Saturday Uprichard Park was sitting pretty in the late summer sun, the pitch was in pristine condition and the day was just right for running rugby. While speaking to a few of the old stalwarts in the club on Thursday evening, with tongue in cheek I invited them up to watch a game of running rugby on Saturday, they said the support will be there but they were sceptical of the running rugby side of my tale.

Enter Bangor 2nd XV, and although the home side got off to a slow start it was not long before they got into their stride with the Bangor pack dominating the scrums and fringe play to which Ballynahinch had no answers. For the first try the Bangor backs moved the ball that was secured by the forwards out to Davy Charles who showed his opponent a clean pair of heels to score - this was converted by Danny McBride. At the restart Dave Lynn was in fine form, jumping like a salmon and taking nearly every ball from the restart, and going on penetrating runs deep into BallynaHinch territory. 20 mins into the game Ballynahinch conceded a penalty, converted by Danny McBride. 22 minutes Serelli picked up the ball in the Ballynahinch 22 after some slick ball handling by the forwards and in his unique way with gentle persuasion he brushed aside three attempts to bring him down before going over for a well taken try - this was converted by Danny McBride. Again Bangor dominated the restarts securing the ball that once more was dispatched with style along the back line to Davy Charles to score on 25 mins - this was converted by Danny McBride. Again Serelli was on the receiving end of a well formed back line to score, but on this occasion the conversion was missed. After some excellent ball handling Davy Charles was put through under the posts - this was converted by Danny McBride. Following some good work Dave Lynn took charge of the ball and burst his way through the Ballynahinch defence to score under the posts - this was converted by D McBride.

Just before half time Stephen Addy, Coops, and I were discussing our half time team talk - it was going to be the shortest ever as Bangor had a near flawless first half.

6 mins into the second half a knock on by Bangor, the ball bounced favourably for a Ballynahinch player who crossed Bangor’s line to score, which was converted. As the half continued Matt Coey was busy as usual in the middle of the rucks and mauls winning ball that was of right-not his. Again Serelli picked up the ball and ran in a try, another conversion by Danny McBride. With 35 mins gone in the second half, Ballynahinch put Bangor under pressure on their own goal line. Bangor weathered this and indeed broke out and after some lovely ball skills, Bangor winger Davy Miller went over to score - once more this was converted by Danny McBride. After some pressure on their own line Bangor conceded another try. Shortly afterwards the ref blew his whistle to bring the game to an end.

The team captain Andrew Brisbane thanked his players after the game for a job well done and said he could not pick a man of the match but he did give it to the pack as a unit. Stephen, Coops, and myself selected James McMullan as man of the match for his tackling and ball distribution as he played in the centre and not in his usual position of wing forward.

I would just like to finish with this. If you have not seen any of the Bangor teams play this year then give your eyes a treat and come to the club on match days. Rupert and Jason have produced a playing squad that are committed /skilful / and entertaining to watch.