The venue, Meadowbank Sports Arena, a 4G pitch, would ensure a fast paced game and was a great setting for the match.

The U14 team have had a mixed season in terms of performance, but they clearly understood the task in hand and were fully aware that a final offered no second bites at the cherry! So enthusiastic were both teams to get underway, the game began with a false start, and no referee! With a stern blow of a whistle from the touch line, both sets of players realised they had started the match without an official!

The game then recommenced second time lucky, in virtually the same manner, R’town kicking off into the Bangor 22. The kick was gathered safely and Bangor then commenced a strong attack, ending up in the opposition half of the pitch, where they remained for a significant portion of the half. The lads may have been guilty of white line fever a number of times, and were making the game difficult for themselves. That being said, on the stroke of half-time Bangor were ahead by 10 - 0, with two unconverted tries.

The message from the coaches was simple at halftime, spread the ball wide and stop trying to arm wrestle with the R’town forwards!

The second half commenced with Bangor restarting the game, and the boys were keen to put R’town to the sword! There was no doubt the young Bangor men were the stronger team, and eventually Bangor broke the opposition defence again, to score a third try, which was unconverted. R’town did score an unconverted try, however it was too little too late, as Bangor had remained dominant throughout the game. On the sound of the final whistle, the jubilation amongst players, coaches and supporters was clear for everyone to see!

The final score a 15 - 5 win to the young Bangor team, who were deserved of the victory. This match was similar in respect of Ireland’s Grand Slam winning performance against England - an ugly yet memorable win!

This has been a hard earned trophy for the lads, who have experienced a turbulent season in terms of their run of results. However the boys still turn up to training, and work hard. This was a whole squad effort and we must also recognise the value of players who were unable to take to the pitch yesterday, but have contributed to the squad throughout the season.

A final thanks to the travelling supporters who made the journey to Magherafelt yesterday, you also made a sizeable contribution to the boys performance!