Semi final win for Bangor U14s against Newry

Bangor took to a very windy Upritchard Park, with a steely determination to see off their opponents Newry, in the semi-final of the U14 Plate.

It was a beautiful Spring morning, however there was significant Northerly wind, which was feared would hamper the backs intricate moves, which they had been tirelessly rehearsing on the training paddock.

Bangor began the match, in receipt of the kick off, and playing towards the Balloo Road end of the pitch, into the strong wind. With instructions to play a tight game, and encouragement to keep the ball with the forwards, the young Bangor pack demonstrated a steely determination to retain the ball phase after phase, dominating the Newry forwards. This created a great platform for the backs, allowing the pacey men to stretch their legs, and produce some fantastic attacking rugby.

The rucking, picking and going and tight play by the forwards was excellent throughout the whole first half. This was a really accomplished team performance, and Bangor had built a significant and healthy lead at halftime, of 35 – 0.

With a sizeable squad, particularly in the forwards, the substitutions came thick and fast a half time, to ensure everyone’s hard work at training ensured they got the run out they deserve.

Bangor now faced a Newry team in the second half, who had clearly had a stern talking to at halftime. The second half of the fixture was a much more competitive affair, with Newry displaying a real gutsy performance. Both teams were working exceptionally hard, in an attempt to counteract each other’s attacking play.

Credit to Newry, who did not give up the whole game, and gave as good as they got in the second half. However a resolute Bangor defence held strong, and the game finished with a fantastic 41 – 14 win to Bangor.

With another great performance, it must be said that the young men are extremely deserved of their place in the final, which is to be held on Saturday 27th April. All supporters are encouraged to support and will the team on.

Yet again the coaching team had the headache of choosing someone for the Man of The Match accolade. There were a number of players who were in contention. However there can only be one. For his notable work at the breakdowns, Josh Newell was this week’s Man of The Match. Well done Josh!

What this game really did illustrate is how well these young men have gelled as a team over the past few months, and how they have come together as an accomplished squad. Rugby is not just a team effort, but a squad effort, and this was demonstrated by every single player who took to the pitch or cheered from the touch lines on Saturday.

Training will be as normal on Wednesday, with a slightly later finish time of 8:30pm for the U14’s, to allow the boys to get some extra work in for the upcoming big game.

As always thank you to all supporters and helpers who cheered the boys onto the final.

For a full set of action shots (courtesy of Andrew Wray), please click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/P2oppXaRGmR3o9TK8