Fiercely contested is not the word. What a game!
We arrived at Portadown around 1pm, the sun was shining and the crowds had decended to watch two champion sides contest the Harden Cup final, Dungannon & Banbridge had just started to do battle.
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As a matter of history it should be noted that the Harden Cup has been contested since 1895!!!!
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the teams had commenced battle at 1pm with Bann men registering first blood within minutes. A Dungannon supporter – life member and honorary memeber commented that Dungannon had been promoted last season and found themselves in a higher level competing already on a cup and contesting the league. So while Banbridge would have been considered the better side this young Dungannon were certainly in no mood to give up!
Banbrideg played fine, fine rugby in the first half. They scored tries, bullied Gannon and were in control of the game. Whatever happened in the half time Gannon team talk spurred them into life and fight back commenced. Hard pack work, crash ball after crash ball, defended and contested by Bann till the turf was battered Dungannon would not lie down.
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Banbridge were immense, in all facets of play they had the better of Dungannon until Gannon began to find their stride and say we want to win this so bad. A valiant effort indeed but Bann ran out the worthy winners, they pummelled the Gannon defence and prduced some very fast ball releasing the wing on occasion to great try scoring effect. Someone commented from the sidelines that some of the Bann players literally had blistering pace.
A joy to watch and cover, the passion, skill and professionalism of both sides was superb.
