WANDERERS 15 BANBRIDGE 38
A late flurry of tries earned Banbridge the bonus point which elevated them to a top four position in Division Three of the All-Ireland League for the first time this season.
But for the first hour of this game at Merrion Road the Co Down side had trailed to a Wanderers outfit that showed the ability to maximise every scoring opportunity that came their way. A speedy home threequarter line, spearheaded by centre Lorcan Kavanagh, had by that stage picked up three unconverted tries, with Bann relying on the boot of Robin Thompson to keep them in touch on a 15-9 scoreline.
But as Bann began to make sensible use of their forward strength, forcing the opposition into conceding a string of penalties, try-scoring chances began to open up for the visitors and the last of their four tries came in the nick of time to accrue what might be a crucial bonus point.
Wanderers’ opening score, after 11 minutes play, owed more to Bann’s defensive frailties than to any sparkling creativity by the home side. Bann failed to deal with a loose ball on the half-way line, Wanderers hacked through and Kavanagh’s pace allowed him to collect and run in unopposed.
The Dublin side doubled their tally four minutes later after Bann’s attempted clearance kick had failed to find touch. It was Kavanagh again who initially threatened the line – he was stopped short but a long pass from the ruck gave right winger Shane Robertson a clear run-in.
As Bann began to assert themselves at the set-pieces and particularly the scrum, it was Wanderers’ turn to defend. They kept their line intact before the break, but Thompson managed to claw back three points with a penalty struck from 43 metres range.
The visiting forwards’ pre-eminence was underlined by two superb driving mauls at the start of the second half. On both occasions Wanderers resorted to illegal tactics to stop the juggernaut and Thompson made them pay the full penalty.
But Bann then lost possession on halfway when seemingly in control of another maul and the home threequarters again swung into action, giving Robertson the space he needed on the right flank to gallop in for his second score.
James Andrews replaced Stephen Cowan in the centre and soon afterwards Shandon Scott came off the bench to take the place of Neville Farr, the scrum-half having picked up a nasty knee injury.
When Bann winger Jonny Pollock was taken out illegally chasing a garryowen, Thompson’s penalty punt created a lineout close to the home line. The inevitable catch and drive was held out initially but Thompson made a half-break from the ruck and full-back Ben Purvis was on hand to take the scoring pass. Thompson added the extras and ten minutes from the end slotted over a 37 metre penalty to extend the lead to four points
The Bann pack was now totally dominant and skipper Simon McKinstry declined a shot at goal in the 72nd minute in favour of a lineout five metres out. Scott broke from the base of the subsequent ruck before giving the scoring pass to flanker Ryan Patterson.
Then McKinstry added to his impressive try tally for the season by forcing his way over after hooker Jonny Murphy had made telling inroads into the Wanderers’ “22”.
With just two minutes of normal time remaining the captain made his intentions clear by instructing Thompson to drop kick the conversion to save time. The out-half obliged and Bann were back on the attack straight from the re-start.
The home line was pummelled as Dale Carson, Patterson and replacement prop Michael Cromie went all out for the fourth try. But it was Andrews who made the breakthrough, stretching his considerable frame to effect the touchdown. Thompson converted and the referee blew for no-side.
Bann team:- Ben Purvis, Jonny Pollock, Stephen Cowan, Jonny Little, Ashley Finney, Robin Thompson, Neville Farr, Colin Bickerstaff, Jonny Murphy, Brian Hanna, Chris Allen, Simon McKinstry (Capt), Ryan Patterson, Dale Carson, Mark Wilson. Replacements:- Paul Ross, Michael Cromie, Jonny Martin, James Andrews, Shandon Scott.
CARRICK U-17s 13 BANN U-17s 53
Bann U17s travelled to Carrick on Saturday to take on the bottom of the table team in what proved to be a one-sided affair. Even with four of their regular squad unavailable Bann proved too strong for the home side.
Although it was an impressive scoreline for the U17s they did not play well as a team and it was largely down to individual efforts that they got their scores. Ryan Graham’s pace was too much for the Carrick backline and he scored two great tries.
Peter Cromie continues to show he is a class finisher as he too touched down twice. Captain Jonny McCreery’s strength and aggression also saw him cross the line twice and Kyle McConnell showed the defence a clean pair of heels to score from 50 metres out. Adam Doherty chipped in with a great solo effort and added five conversions.
The team played well in fits and starts but a much tighter performance will be needed against Ballynahinch this Saturday if the current run of wins is to continue. The man of the match was Doherty who ran, tackled and kicked superbly. His try-saving tackle just before the final whistle, with his team 40 points ahead, showed his 100% commitment to the cause.
CARRICK U-15s 15 BANN U-15s 10
Bann U-15’s travelled to Carrick for the return league fixture having gained a narrow victory over the Co Antrim side at Rifle Park earlier in the season.
Bann started brightly with forwards Matthew Beck and Thomas McRoberts providing good quality possession for the backs. This possession was soon rewarded when winger Zach Chambers weaved through several Carrick defenders to score.
From the re-start the Carrick forwards gathered a loose ball and only last ditch defending from Adam Copes and Cameron Cromie prevented them from scoring. However, the referee penalised Bann for an infringement at the ensuing ruck and the Carrick No 10 slotted over the penalty to leave his side 3-5 in arrears at the break.
During the second half Bann lost their discipline and, with an ever-increasing penalty tally in their favour, the Carrick team started to impose their authority, out-rucking the Bann pack and providing a solid platform for their dangerous backline.
It was no surprise when the Carrick second row forward scored after a sustained period of pressure on the Bann line. From the re-start Carrick managed to regain possession and the Carrick centre broke through the Bann defence to score under the posts, with the conversion being added.
Bann did manage a late surge with skipper Beck scoring a try to reduce the deficit, but it was too little too late.
