With the All Ireland League taking a break until late January, Banbridge now turn their attention to the imminent trip to Ravenhill for the Ulster Senior Cup Final against Ballymena.
Ravenhill appearances were a regular occurrence for Banbridge’s 1st XV in the late 80’s and 90’s when they dominated Junior rugby in Ulster. However, promotion into the Senior ranks and All Ireland League rugby in 1999 has restricted appearances at Ulster Rugby’s HQ to our other adult sides and youth teams.
That was until last month when Banbridge ruthlessly swept Instonians aside in the Ulster Senior Cup semi-final to secure their place against Ballymena in the showpiece final.
Coincidentally, Bann’s last appearance in a Ravenhill final was against Ballymena 2’s in the 1988 Junior Cup Final. The Eden Park men prevailed that day with a 13-0 win, and there is little doubt that they are once again favourites for this Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, Banbridge will not be going into the tie fearing their opponents as matches in recent seasons have suggested that they can compete with the Division 1B side.
A win over Ballymena still eludes Banbridge in both league and cup competition – can Daniel Soper’s side pull off a big cup upset and bring the Senior Cup back to Rifle Park in their first ever final?
Match kicks off at Ravenhill at 7.30pm this Wednesday 14th December.
Bonus point win for Bann
Banbridge earned a bonus point win with a home victory over Ards in the Ulster Bank League. Bann wrapped the 53 – 5 victory up with a try by fullback Brendan Ward following some great work on the right wing by Johnny Pollock who supplied the final pass. This moves Bann up to third in the table with the top four now beginning to break away from the rest of the pack.
The 2nd XV meanwhile were hosting Newry in the Conference league. Not to be outdone by the 1st’s Bann came away with a 60 – 0 victory which keeps them top of Conference League 3.
The 4th XV were beaten 93-0 by Queens 3rd XV at The Dub
Match reports to follow.
