Ward hat-trick helps Bann to win over Naas
BANBRIDGE 1STs 39 Naas 10
A hat-trick of tries from Brendan Ward (pictured) set Banbridge on their way to a comprehensive win over Naas, a result which lifts them into third place in Division 2B of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League.
The Kiwi full-back struck just three minutes into Saturday’s game after Bann had run ball out of their own “22” to set up a good attacking position close to the visitors’ line. When the ball was spun wide from the ruck Ward spotted a gap in the defence and sprinted through without a hand being laid on him.
Robin Thompson was wide with the conversion attempt and after Naas out-half David Ahearne had reduced the deficit with a penalty in front of the posts his opposite number saw an effort from 38 metres rebound off an upright.
Ward was almost in for a second try after good work by centre Jonny Little, but when the touch judge signalled for a foot in touch the referee went back for a penalty from close range which Thompson struck over.
Bann continued to have the better of the play, thanks to a solid set scrum and efficient lineout, but the Naas line held until the last play of the half. With the visitors’ scrum under pressure five metres out from their line, Bann opted for a re-set from a penalty. No 8 Stephen Irvine’s pick-up and drive was held out, but when the ball was re-cycled and moved left it was déjà vu for the fragile defence as Ward sliced through to touch down in virtually the same spot for a 13-3 interval lead.
Bann kicked a 47th minute penalty to the corner and three rucks later spun the ball wide to centre Andrew Morrison who ghosted through the Naas lines for a fine try.
Ten minutes later, after Thompson and replacement prop Jonny Weir had made good ground with ball in hand, Morrison and Jonny Pollock followed up a Garryowen to force Naas to concede a five metre scrum, from which Irvine was able to force his way over with the assistance of his pack, with Thompson adding the conversion.
Ward’s third and best try of the day came on the hour, when he fielded a kick inside his own half and jinked and weaved his way through the bemused Naas defence on a 55 metre run to the line. Thompson’s conversion found the target and Bann were 32-3 ahead.
The result was now beyond doubt but Naas continued to try to play constructive rugby and their reward came in the shape of a Donal Droney try, after a series of quick rucks had created space for the centre to run in from 18 metres range. Ahearne added the conversion but the 29 point differential was restored within two minutes.
Bann winger Andrew Kirkwood came off the blindside wing to take possession on the Naas “22”, then found Thompson with a neat reverse pass five metres out to leave the out-half to touch down and add the extras.
Bann’s Director of Rugby John Best was impressed with the way his side had performed. “I thought it was a very workmanlike performance, interspersed with periods of excellent play,” he said after the game, “The forwards are providing a great platform and the backs are reaping the benefit of that.
“If the rugby is as good at Ravenhill I’ll be more than happy,” he added as he rushed off to watch son Rory re-join his Ulster team-mates for the Connacht game, his first outing since the World Cup.
This was not the complete performance from the Rifle Park squad, but there will be few complaints from coach Daniel Soper after another five-pointer that keeps them well in contention.
Things are shaping up nicely for Bann’s December visit to Hatrick Park, where Rainey will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run. Before that however Bann have three important games.
Soper will be looking for a good performance from his team when Ballynahinch visit in the Ulster League this Saturday. Then Instonians are due on Saturday week for the Ulster Senior Cup semi-final before the squad travels to Drogheda to take on Boyne in the fifth of the AIL games.
Bann team against Naas:- Brendan Ward, Jonny Pollock, Andrew Morrison, Jonny Little, Andrew Kirkwood, Robin Thompson, Adam Ervine, Michael Cromie, Jonny Murphy, Brian Hanna, Colin Bickerstaff, Simon McKinstry (Capt), Dale Carson, Andy Brown, Stephen Irvine. Replacements:- David Weir, Jonny Weir, Mark Wilson, Neville Farr, Stephen Cowan.
Three-try Thompson (pictured) lead 2nds to victory
PSNI 12 BANBRIDGE 2NDs 27
Bann Seconds travelled to Newforge to play PSNI in the Conference League hoping to get some momentum back after the previous week’s disappointing 10-10 draw at Malone. They duly eased to a 29-12 victory courtesy of a gritty performance from a much changed team.
The PSNI opened the scoring with an unconverted try inside the first three minutes when they were first to capitalise on comical handling from both sides. Five minutes later Bann were fortunate not to concede a further try when they eventually hauled down a home back after a midfield interception.
This uncharacteristic start from Bann eventually shook them into action and they showed good ball retention to dominate possession over the next 20 minutes before picking up their opening try. Two penalties in quick succession were stroked up the line by John Ferris to get then inside the home “22”. Bann elected to drive off the clean line-out ball and maintained possession to drive the heavier home pack over the line. The industrious Bryan Curran claimed the touch-down for Clarke McAllister to convert.
With that early lethargy firmly behind them, Bann picked up a second try seven minutes later. A period of intense play from the forwards, with Paul Ross, James McCrum and Curran in the vanguard, saw them cause all sorts of problems. With the Police now starting to find it difficult to get anything from the battle up front, it was the lighter Bann pack that won a scrum just outside the “22”. Craig Mulholland spun the ball to Ferris who showed his strength to burst through a half gap. Geoff Thompson was supporting at speed, and Ferris’s unselfish off-load allowed his skipper to touch down under the posts. McAllister again added the extras to take the interval score to 14-5, although another scything break from Ferris nearly put Mulholland away for a third try.
The second half saw Bann start to open up and fully utilise both the forwards and backs in tandem, but a gritty Police defence initially stopped them adding to their try tally. With this in mind, Captain Thompson elected to have McAllister convert a penalty in the 47th minute to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
With Paul Ross stealing the show and leading his forwards by example, Thompson was doing likewise in the backs. Seventeen minutes into the half he was on hand to finish off and score his second try. Again it originated in quality lineout ball from which Bann rucked and mauled to keep the opposition firmly on the back foot. Mulholland fed Ferris who once again found Thompson running a great angle to receive the ball and sprint through. McAllister’s conversion moved the score to 24-5.
With just under 25 minutes remaining a confident Bann backline were keen to utilise their speed when they could. Strong runs from Jordan Weir, McAllister and three from John Porter nearly yielded tries. However it was Thompson who scored next with another defence-splitting run to finish off his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining.
With 10 minutes to go Bann seemed to think it was `game over` and they allowed a home back an embarrassing dance through attempted tap tackles to score a converted try.
Overall this was a satisfactory result with an improved performance, especially from a smaller Bann pack that included five wing forwards. The non-stop work ethic of Ross meant the forwards were able to keep the ball moving forward, and with Ferris managing the game well from out-half, it was no surprise that scores followed. However the Man of the Match award for the second week in a row went to Thompson, not just for his three tries, but his all-round tackling, running and leadership.
15s defeat Derry with Jardine double
City of Derry 12 BANBRIDGE U15s 20
Bann Under-15s, sponsored by the Northern Bank, made the long early morning trip to City of Derry hoping to continue the good run of form that has seem them win all three league games to date.
Derry won the toss, opted to play with a slight breeze and immediately gave notice of their intention to spread the ball wide at every opportunity. Eventually this broke the Bann defence down when their centre avoided five Bann tacklers to run in under the posts for a converted try.
Derry then opted for some old style pick and goes within the forwards. The physicality and superior size of their pack was being largely neutralised by the grit and determination of the Bann back row of Ross Haughey, Robin Hewitt and Alex Megaw. Eventually however the big Derry No 8 broke through the defence and ran in to score their second try which went unconverted.
With five minutes of the half remaining Bann re-grouped and in the Derry “22” a home ruck was turned over by some excellent counter-rucking from Jake Chambers and the excellent Josh Cromie. The scrum-half’s feed put Jason Jardine in for a score that reduced the interval deficit to 12-5.
The second half saw William Wilson retire due to injury. Now without his tireless work in defence and obvious threat in attack the rest of the backline was going to have to tighten up their game. With Cameron Cromie opting for the huge Garryowen, Wayne McCurry with his pace was putting pressure on the Derry defence and Bann were soon in the Derry “22”. A Derry scrum followed and the out-half’s attempted clearance kick was charged down and then touched down by the ever impressive Josh Cromie.
Bann midfield trio of Cameron Cromie, Keelan McCambridge and Jardine were making ground every time the ball was flashed out. McCambridge’s elusive running was complemented by Jardine’s more direct style of attack. This trio was even more impressive in defence with their aggression second to none. It was their attack play that led to the decisive try when once again Josh Cromie made the right decision quickly feeding cousin Cameron who drew his marker before passing to McCambridge. The centre sliced through the defence before popping a pass to Jardine, who once again showed his power and direct running to crash through three defenders for his second try. Cameron Cromie converted.
With the game nearing an end Bann showed their maturity when they received a penalty after an infringement at a ruck. Cameron Cromie slotted over to bring the full time score to 12-20.
To travel to City of Derry and record a win is always a tough thing to do at any level. Bann not only won but turned around a 12-0 deficit. The boys worked really hard and thoroughly deserved this win. Once again Alex Megaw was tremendous in the pack along with the hard working Chambers, Haughey and Dennison.
Wayne McCurry had a great game in his first outing in the backline. His speed and ferocious tackling make him a pleasure to have on your team.
Best guy in a Bann shirt on the day must go to Josh Cromie. His tenacity and his work rate are an example for anyone who plays rugby. His decision making and ability to create extra men around the pitch make him a key member of the squad.
Thanks to City of Derry for a high quality entertaining game of rugby that was a great standard and advert for the game at this level.
13s work hard for impressive win
City of Derry 18 BANBRIDGE U13s 36
Banbridge U-13s, sponsored by The Leader, took on City of Derry in a tough game that was considerably closer than the final scoreline suggests. Playing into strong winter sunshine in the first half Bann started well but didn’t exert control when they had the opportunity. City of Derry had the ability to sweep the ball up the pitch through well organized mauls coupled with very effective halfback work and they gave the Bann front row a torrid time in the scrum.
Bann had a good period in the middle of the half and scored tries through William Cousins and John Buller, but indiscipline and a lack of concentration allowed Derry to score a try at the end of the half to add to an earlier score. At half time Derry were ahead 14 – 12 and their superiority in the rucks and mauls was looking ominous.
As the second half progressed Bann played the majority of the game in their own half as Derry continued to dominate the breakdown and use their pack effectively. The Bann players had to repeatedly defend their own goal line but they showed a determined attitude which was critical in keeping the opposition mauls out.
Charlie Wright and Adam Buller stepped up a gear and led the way stealing the ball and leading critical break-outs which resulted in Troy Pinion scoring a try to give Bann the lead again.
City of Derry’s kick-off direction was switched at the last moment but Hayden Kerr fielded it well, made good ground and connected with Wright who scored a try after some hard running through tackles. However just as Bann were beginning to relieve the pressure on the scoreboard, City of Derry scored another try through their dependable rolling maul to bring the scores to 19-24.
Struggling to keep their slight lead with Derry’s maul working so well, Bann began to concede penalties due to off-sides and hands in the ruck and had to work hard to defend their goal line; Chris Bennett put in some great tackles in this phase of the game. Adam Buller led an end-to-end breakout hacking the ball ahead from chasing players, but the resulting try was disallowed due to obstruction.
It fell to Cousins to lift the siege with a great try after another scrambled breakaway before another try at full time sealed the away win.
City of Derry’s after-match refreshments were outstanding … great hosts.
