The very strong winds added a new environmental experience for the boys. Bangor won the toss and opted to play into the wind.
The kick off saw Bangor recover the ball and drive towards the Banbridge half. A spilled ball gave Banbridge the scrum, enabling a number of phases where they worked their way into the Bangor 22. A knock on by Bangor gave a scrum to Banbridge and the number 8 picked up and evaded a number of tackles to score which was converted. Bangor 0 Banbridge 7.

The next series of plays were evenly contested with possession alternating until Banbridge turned over the ball at the ruck close to their 10m line, and a few phases later they had worked their way into the Bangor 22. From a ruck the ball was passed to their number 9 who picked a great line and with pace stepped three Bangor players to score out wide. Not converted. Bangor 0 Banbridge12.

From the restart Banbridge quickly passed the ball to their left wing who stepped and evaded a number of tackles to score out wide. Bangor 0 Banbridge 17.

The second half saw a more determined Bangor take the field and a knock on from the kick off gave a scrum to Bangor in the Banbridge 22. Sammie Gourley at 8 picked up and drove for the line but was held up. A short time later another scrum was awarded to Bangor and again Sammie picked up and drove for the line and scored. Not converted. Bangor 5 Banbridge 17.

The next 10 mins of play saw Bangor lose Liam Sinclair, Felix Fell, Sean McClory and Scott McClellend due to injury. With all the replacements used Bangor had 14 men on the field. The next phase of play saw Banbridge hold up, turn and rip the ball from the Bangor player, a quick pass let Banbridge in for another try which was not converted. Bangor 5 Banbridge 22.

In the final minutes of the game a great tackle by Frankie Forbes forced Banbridge to spill the ball which was recovered by Finlay Saunders who powered his way into the Banbridge 22 before being tackled but good support allowed Sammie Gourley to pick up and drive for the line to score. Not Converted. Final score Bangor 10 Banbridge 22.

There were some very good individual performances and when down to 14 men the boys showed great determination. A big thank you to those boys that stepped up to play in positions that are not their preferred positions.

One issue we need to address is the time it takes us to get fully involved in the game. If we play with the same determination we have shown in the final 40 mins of the last few games from the first whistle the results would have been different.

A big turnout is expected on Wednesday night at training in preparation for the cup match next Saturday against Ballymena.

[report courtesy of Drew Kennedy]