Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

With Mark Wilson, Robin Thompson and Jonny Pollock all having picked up knocks at Nenagh the previous week, Bann started with Ryan Patterson at flanker, Richard Finlay at out-half and Adam Ervine on the wing, with Neville Farr taking over Ervine's place at the base of the scrum.

Bann were seven points up within five minutes but despite almost total dominance of territory and possession in the first half they were unable to add to their tally until seven minutes before the break. Simon McKinstry's drive off a lineout set up the attacking position for the first. When Bann won a scrum metres out from the line the awesome power of the pack drove Suttonians back over their line, allowing No 8 Colin Bickerstaff to effect the touchdown and Neville Farr to add the conversion.

For much of the next 20 minute spell, Bann were on top, with Suttonians' only scoring opportunity a penalty from 35 metres range which was off target. The visitors created and squandered scoring opportunities aplenty. Stephen Cowan just failed to collect Richard Finlay's deft crossfield kick with the line beckoning. Ryan Patterson's blustering runs were punching holes in the Suttonians defence but at crucial moments Bann lost control of the ball when set scrums were well-placed to yield more scores.

Although they remained on top, Farr's yellow card initially slowed Bann's momentum, but the second score arrived before the scrum half's return to the fray. The pack won a lineout near the Suttonians line and on the opposition throw and after a number of re-cycles hooker David Weir forced his way over for the touchdown. Brendan Ward took over the kicking duties from the absent Farr and duly slotted over the conversion.

When Farr hit the upright with a penalty from the opening play of the second half, it set up a period of pressure which ultimately yielded the third try. Stephen Irvine and McKinstry made penetrating runs before Suttonians were penalised seven metres out. Patterson spearheaded another concerted attack which culminated in Michael Cromie driving over from close range, with Farr converting.

A testing grubber from Cowan had the Suttonians defence scrambling to hold Weir up over the line. The Bann three quarters had played a largely secondary role for much of the game. But in the 53rd minute their slick handling, from a move originating inside their own half, ended with Adam Ervine scorching onto Andrew Morrison's chip ahead and touching down at the posts. Farr converted the bonus point try.

The next 15 minutes belonged to Suttonians as Bann repeatedly fell foul of the referee's interpretation of the laws, especially at the tackle situation. The home side started to enjoy a level of possession that had previously been denied them and hooker Adrian Hoary's try in the 62nd minute was no more than their rejuvenated efforts deserved.

But the balance of play swung back the way of the visitors and in the final minute Dale Carson's determination saw him break through a number of tackles to grab a fifth try for the winners.

Bann now enjoy a one week break before the host Sligo on 18th February. Stephen Irvine's return to action, his first since the Senior Cup final mid-December, adds further strength in depth to the forward panel. And with Mark Wilson likely to become available for consideration again for the Sligo game the coaches are likely to have to make some difficult choices.

Bann team against Suttonians:- Brendan Ward, Adam Ervine, Andrew Morrison, Jonny Little, Stephen Cowan, Richard Finlay, Neville Farr, Michael Cromie, David Weir, Brian Hanna, Chris Allen, Simon McKinstry (Capt), Dale Carson, Ryan Patterson, Colin Bickerstaff. Replacements (all used):- Jonny Weir, Stephen Irvine, Andy Brown, James Andrews, Andrew Kirkwood.