Antrim run in eight tries to beat Bangor 3rds 57-0 in the McCambley cup and proceed to the quarter finals. Coming off two previous wins Antrim where in full flight and were egger to make it three. With prefect playing conditions the day was set for a perfect game of rugby.
From the kick off Antrim soon showed the visitors the importance of the match with Darren Crooks smashing Bangor second row and turning possession over to Antrim and within minutes Antrim were within meters of the Bangor line and it wasn’t long until the referee awarded a penalty in front of the posts to give Antrim a 3-0 lead.
With the early points on the board Antrim were out for blood and form the kick off the Antrim pack worked their way into the Bangor half, working in numbers Antrim pack was slowly sucking the Bangor players creating space for the Antrim Backline to spin the ball wide with a bullet pass from Richard Manson missing both centres sent Ben Suri racing down the outside leaving his winger for dead to touch down in the corner, with a touchline kick Richard Manson slotted it home widening the gap to 10-0.
From the restart Antrim gathered and went on another charging surge with Andy Cameron breaking through the Bangor defence and gaining prises ground before off loading to Barry Maris who fought his way into the Bangor 22 and setting Antrim up for another attacking wave, with the ball quickly shipped out to the backs Antrim were in prime position to capitalise with Neil Manson creating a two on one with the Bangor winger saw Ben Suri with the ball and diving for the corner and extending Antrim’s lead, with another Touchline kick Richard Manson add the two extra points and a health lead of 17-0.
Antrim had to make the most of their momentum and with the game 17-0 the Antrim pack give Bangor little change of closing the gap with blistering tackles from 1 to 15 the Bangor side were finding it hard to break the Antrim defence and it wasn’t long until Antrim were back in control and a cleaver kick saw Antrim just short of the Bangor 22. With Bangor set to regain possession from the lineout Antrim’s Billy smith intercepted and with Bangor on the back foot Richard Manson went down the blind side and crashed over in the corner and left himself with another touchline kick only for it to veer lift of the upright and a 22-0 lead.
From the restart Bangor raised their game and for 10 minutes looked like getting back into the game, the Bangor side worked hard to retain the ball moving it well between the forwards and were soon in Antrim’s 22 but the Antrim pack but an end to their surge with big hits from Scott Johnson, Dave Sharp, Barry Maris and Darren Crooks saw the Bangor pack losing out with Antrim Turning the ball over and clearing their line.
With the ball back in formulary territory, Antrim turned up the heat once more and with the Antrim backline on the attack saw Eddie York scything through the Bangor defence only to be stopped just meters from the line Antrim recycled quickly and saw Andy Cameron crash over under the posts and converted Antrim lead 29-0.
From the restart Barry Maris gathered and cut through the Bangor line before off loading to Dave sharp and once more Antrim were pushing for more points just meters from the line the Bangor side were in short numbers in the backs and quick hands saw John Bull side over the line converted Antrim lead 36-0 at half time
With the start of the second half Antrim had the game will under raps and slowed the game down and capitalise on every opportunity to increase the lead. With the game going form one side to another Antrim still looked like the dominate side, slowly pushing their way up into Bangor’s 22 and with a penalty awarded in front of the posts Richard Manson opted to run catching the Bangor side sleeping crashed over and converted the lead was now 43-0.
From the kick off Antrim took control once again slowing the play down and pinning the Bangor side back in their 22, with the Antrim side in full flight the Bangor side found it hard to get out and with the Antrim side moving the ball from side to side the Bangor defence was in disarray and with quick hands from the Antrim backline saw Ben Suri diving over for his hat trick, once more Richard Manson had another touching line kick and with the ball sailing between the uprights Antrim lead 50-0
Before the restart Antrim made couple of changes bring on Michael Duncan for Richard Robb how had an outstanding game and Gavin Wilson for Ben Suri. The restart once more saw the Antrim pack bully their way up the pitch with great ball carrying from Steve Curins, Scott Johnson and Barry Maris Antrim were back in an attacking possession and a snipping run from Neil Manson pop the ball Barry Maris how then sent William Smith through to score the last try of the day and converted Antrim finished the game with a 57-0 win
It was a very positive performance from every player. Final score Antrim 57 Bangor 3’s 0. Although every player gave it his all, Man of the Match was awarded to Richard Manson and Ben Suri.
