Due to a number of absences, the squad was somewhat smaller than usual, with 16 players available to play. This gave some players the opportunity to try playing in new positions.

Bangor commenced the game in receipt of the kick off, playing into a moderate breeze. The coaches had encouraged the players in the build up to the game, to assert their dominance and show some positive aggression from the outset.

This may have been ringing in the players ears, as on receipt of the kick off, Bangor formed a quick ruck and the ball was moved through the hands to inside centre Thomas Rice, who with a steely determination ran from the Bangor 10M line, to dot down under the Ophir posts. This was converted by Steven Boyd, a great start 7 - 0 to the young Bangor men.

From the restart, Bangor continued to assert their strength against Ophir, and were clearly the more hungry team. This resulted in an almost second identical run from Thomas Rice, who ran in under the posts. He was tackled just as he went to put the ball down, and the ball was spilled. This resulted in a turnover to Ophir. Credit to the Ophir defenders who had the presence of mind to work back and make the tackle in the dead ball area.

Bangor still sustained their pressure on Ophir, and were awarded with a 5m attacking scrum, to the right hand side of the pitch. This was picked up by Bangor Number 8 Frankie Forbes, who was stopped by a determined Ophir defence. A quick ruck ensued, and Steven Boyd took possession of the ball and drove for the line, scoring. This was unconverted, 12 - 0 to Bangor.

Play resumed with a restart, and Ophir now came back at Bangor stronger. The Bangor forwards were at times not effective at the breakdown, and allowed Ophir to slow or compete for the ball, which they really should have secured. That being said, Bangor were showing some flair in attack, and some good play between backs and forwards.

Just on the stroke of halftime, Bangor continued to attack along the right side of the pitch. After two successful rucks, the ball was moved through the hands, and into the possession of Frankie Forbes, whose work rate across the park was immense. Frankie did what he does best, and ran for the line. He scored to the left of the posts. This try was unconverted and as half time blew it was a healthy 17 - 0 lead to Bangor.

This match was by no means over, and Bangor certainly did not have an insurmountable lead. This was instilled into the players at halftime, with an emphasis to the boys to continue to play simple rugby in the second half. “Let the ball do the work”, and “simple hands” are phrases that were echoed around the halftime huddle, as well as asking the players to ensure they are more effective at the breakdown.

The second half restarted and was a much slower affair than the first. The pace of the game slowed and there was a lot of stop and start. This had an impact on play, and players from both teams seemed to struggle to get a grip on the game. Bangor were awarded a scrum in the opposition 22, an ideal attacking platform. From the subsequent scrum, Bangor went through two phases of play, and this allowed Ryan Gilmour to power towards the line. His run was unstoppable and he crashed over the line, successfully scoring. This was converted by Steven Boyd bringing the scoreline to 24 - 0 for Bangor.

Ophir did not give up however, and were rewarded with a well taken converted try, which seemed to wake the Bangor lads up.

In the final phases of play, Bangor again found themselves deep in the Ophir 22, and Sammie Gourley, who had made several good strong carries throughout the game, finished with another charging run to score and put the game well beyond the reach of Ophir. Final score 29 - 7 to Bangor.

Another good win for the boys and, with a smaller squad than usual, it was a great opportunity to play a different position and apply new skills. As always thanks to the travelling support.

[Report courtesy of Dave Henderson]