(10th March Ulster Senior League) Harlequins 19 BANBRIDGE 1STs 21
A Clark McAllister penalty two minutes from full time gave Banbridge their fourth win this season in the Ulster Senior League, as well as registering Bann’s first ever win against Belfast Harlequins at Senior level.
Bann had much the better of the early exchanges and McAllister kicked a penalty in the third minute. When Colin Bickerstaff linked with Craig Mulholland he set the scrum-half off on a 60 metre run that took play to within 10 metres of the ‘Quins line. Winger McAllister was well-placed to take the final pass, touching down to make the score 0-8 with 17 minutes played.
Centre Andrew Morrison’s break created the chance for Chris Allen to go in for the second touchdown on 25 minutes, with the ‘Quins defence buying the lock’s dummy to allow him to cross from seven metres range.
‘Quins hit back before the break, with David Creighton’s try, converted by Mark Robson, leaving them just six points adrift at the interval.
With Bann flanker Mark Wilson taking a reluctant ten minute break courtesy of the referee, the home side capitalised with early second half tries from Robson and full-back Robbie Creighton, with Robson’s conversion of the second taking his side 19-13 ahead.
With 15 minutes remaining a well-worked lineout move put Bann’s Colin Bickerstaff in for an unconverted try, leaving just a point between the sides.
‘Quins wasted a chance to set up an attacking lineout when the kick to the corner went dead. And when a big Bann scrum won them a penalty at the other end, McAllister stepped up to strike the testing kick between the uprights for the win.
Bann team:- Stephen Cowan, Jonny Pollock, Andrew Morrison, James Andrews, Clark McAllister, Andrew Kirkwood, Craig Mulholland, Jonny Weir, David Weir, Brian Hanna, Chris Allen, Simon McKinstry, Dale Carson, Mark Wilson, Colin Bickerstaff. Replacements (all used): Jonny Little, Michael Cromie, Alan Conn, Ryan Patterson, Stephen Irvine.
