Bangor lost the toss and kicked off to start the game. Good pressure from Bangor kept Malone in their own half and eventually forced a knock on. From the scrum, 10 metres out Sammie Gourley picked up at 8 and drove for the Malone line but unfortunately was held up. A penalty from Bangor allowed Malone to clear their line.

Bangor maintained the pressure but a knock on by Bangor on the Malone 10 metre line saw their number 8 pick up and with strong running evaded a number of tackles to score out wide which was converted. Malone 7 Bangor 0.

More good pressure from Bangor put Malone on the back foot and once again Sammie Gourley picked up from the back of a scrum and drove for the line. Good defence by Malone forced the ball to be spilled. Malone kicked from their goal line which was caught by Sean McClory just outside the 22 who stepped a couple of tackles to score out wide which was not converted. Malone 7 Bangor 5.

Just before halftime Malone won a scrum on their 10 metre line and it was deja-vu for their number 8 who picked up and with strong running evaded a couple of tackles to score, which was not converted. Malone 12 Bangor 5.

The second half was similar to the first with much of the play in Malone’s half. An overthrow from a Bangor line out enabled the Malone 8 to recover the ball, evade a few tackles to score under the posts which was converted. Malone 19 Bangor 5.

From the restart Malone worked their way into Bangor's 22, but good defence enabled Bangor to recover the ball and kick to clear their lines. Malone’s fullback was perfectly positioned and recovered the ball. Strong running and good support saw two passes give the Malone winger a clear run to score, but was not converted. Malone 26 Bangor 5.

The next phase of play was evenly contested and eventually Bangor worked their way into the Malone 22. Good counter rucking from Malone secured the ball and they kicked to ease the pressure. Sean McClory caught the ball on the run from Bangor’s 10 meter line, evaded a number of tackles and scored under the posts which was converted. Malone 26 Bangor 12. Shortly after this the final whistle was blown.

Once again another good performance from the boys. Securing the ball and continuity was much improved, scrum was strong but as always we have things to work on in preparation for our Cup match next Saturday away to Ballymena.

[Report courtesy of Drew Kennedy]