News
31-03-2010 New events added to social calendar
Be sure and visit the social calendar page to keep up to date with upcoming events.
27-03-2010 Mini Rugby News - updated fixtures
The disruption to the mini rugby season continued last Saturday with the cancellation of the games at Ballynahinch.
However further fixtures have been added to the calendar by way of compensation for all the practices and games which have had to be called off.
13-03-2010 Bann drawn away to Dungannon in Cup
Banbridge will make the trip to Stevenson Park to face Dungannon in the quarter final of this season's First Trust Senior Cup. The Tyrone side knocked last season's winner Ballynahinch out of the cup with a 21-10 win at Stevenson Park to progress to the quarter final round, while Banbridge had been given a bye. Follow the link below for the full draw.
12-03-2010 Floodlit fixtures this week
Three Banbridge sides will feature in floodlit action this week starting tomorrow (Tuesday) evening with the U19s facing Dromore in the Nutty Krust Tournament in Portadown. Kick off at 7.45pm.
Then on Friday night Bann take on Dungannon at Stevenson Park in the quarter final of the Senior Cup, while the thirds welcome Lisburn 2nds to Rifle Park. Kick off in both matches at 7.30pm
08-03-2010 Bann miss opportunity to close gap
Banbridge's run of success in the All-Ireland League ground to a halt on Saturday at the sunny JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds when Suttonians deservedly maintained their 100% record for the season on their home patch.
The pain of defeat intensified when other results began to come through, and in particular news of Midleton's demise at Chambers Park, where relegation-threatened Portadown sprang the surprise of the day.
Banbridge U11s came out on top in their AIL curtain raising encounter against their Suttonian counterparts on Saturday, enjoying a good day out in the process.07-03-2010 2nds exact revenge for earlier drubbing
Banbridge 2nd XVs improvement over the season was further evidenced on Saturday when they exacted revenge, to overturn their earlier 80-point defeat to Ballymena at Eaton Park. A Jordy Weir try and four penalties from Shandon Scott accounted for Bann's points in their 17-8 win.
Follow link below for match report.
06-03-2010 Supporters bus for Suttonians
The club is running a supporters bus down to Suttonians for this Saturday's All Ireland League encounter. The bus will leave Rifle Park at 11am, leaving Suttonians at around 6pm.
Those wishing to take the bus should contact Andy Duke on 07803 018454 to reserve a place. Depending on numbers, the bus is expected to cost between £10 and £15 a head.
Banbridge Special Olympics Club invite you a their Table Quiz in the rugby club on Friday 5th March at 8pm.28-02-2010 Bann 2nds winning form continues
Seven tries in total gave Banbridge a comfortable 45-0 victory over Rainey at Rifle Park in this 2nd XV League fixture. Jamie Johnston grabbed a brace with further tries from James Andrews, Jurgen Schumann, Andrew Davidson, Philip Morrison and Geoff Thompson, plus five conversions from Shandon Scott accounted for Bann's tally.
Follow link for full match report.
23-02-2010 Young guns keep Ports down in AIL encounter
A seventh All-Ireland League win on the trot kept Banbridge on course for a play-off place in Division Three, with local rivals Portadown the latest side to fall to the young guns of Rifle Park.
And it was the three youngest players on the fledgling Bann side who clocked up the tries to seal Portadown's fate and deny them a precious bonus point as they struggle to avoid a relegation play-off.
Stephen Irvine, Jonny Weir and Chris Leathem picked up winners' medals as part of last season's U-18 squad that lifted the Ulster (C E Bowman) Cup at Ravenhill. On Saturday they underlined the importance to their club of a well-established youth policy as they demonstrated how easily they had made the step-up to become valued members of Bann's senior squad.
February's Friends of Banbridge RFC £1000 prize winner is the 1st XV's Neville Farr. Ladies Committee member Janice Thompson won the £200 prize for members present on the evening.
Banbridge's Charles Gallagher and Jonny Murphy have been selected in the Irish U18 Squad that will compete in the European U18 Championships later in the year.16-02-2010 Bann stay third with bonus point win
Seven yellow cards, six tries shared between the sides but most importantly five more league points for a Banbridge side which is really on song at the moment. That sums up this somewhat fractious All-Ireland League game played out at Rifle Park last Saturday.
15-02-2010 Morrisons try scoring form continues in 2nds win
Bann Seconds continued their improved league form, by yet again showing they had a point to prove against teams that had turned them over earlier in the season. Queen's were visitors on Saturday and they must have travelled full of confidence, having inflicted an 80 point hammering on Bann at Upper Malone. But they rarely looked like crossing the home line this time around and were probably fortunate to concede just the two tries.
15-02-2010 13-try Bann prove unlucky for visitors
In a superb display of running rugby, Bann Fourths ran in thirteen tries to record a resounding 75-0 win over Coleraine at Rifle Park on Saturday. Having lost by forty-seven points with a weakened team in the corresponding away fixture at the start of the season, Bann were well motivated and it showed in an excellent display.
09-02-2010 Bann record first Ulster League win
Portadown 12 Banbridge 32
Banbridge picked up their first win in the Ulster League under the Chambers Park floodlights last Thursday night.
After a run of six defeats in the provincial competition they opened their account in emphatic style, scoring six tries to which Portadown could only respond with four penalties.
08-02-2010 Lewis kicks 4ths into quarters
Bann Fourths just about did enough to secure their passage to the quarter finals of the Forster Cup with a hard fought 6-3 win away to Belfast High School Former Pupils on Saturday. In the muddy conditions at Greenisland both sides struggled to get much flowing rugby going and in the end two penalties from Ally Lewis proved decisive in extending Bann's post-Christmas winning run.
05-02-2010 Coach trip to Italy International
Tickets are still available for Ireland's opening Six Nations encounter when they face Italy at Croke Park on Saturday 6th February, kicking off at 2.30pm.
The club will be also running a coach to the match in Dublin for those interested.
To reserve a seat on the coach and a ticket for the Italy match, please contact Andy Duke on 07803 018454. For general ticket enquiries for the Italy match or any of the other Six Nations matches contact either Andy Duke or John Ewart on 07909 978 505.
03-02-2010 19s dominate at Chambers Park
Five tries for the Under 19s gave them a comfortable 32-0 victory over Portadown at Chambers Park on Wednesday night. Ulster Under 18 players Jonny Murphy and Charles Gallagher grabbed a try a piece as did Sam Boyd to mark his third try in five days. Mark Doherty (pictured) completed the scoring with two tries of his own along with 7 points from the boot to bring his total haul to 17.
02-02-2010 Debutant Irvine scores vital try in Connemara win
A fifth successive win in the All-Ireland League hoisted Banbridge up into third place in Division Three and eased the players' long journey back from Clifden on Saturday evening. This was not a vintage display by the Rifle Park side but there was no arguing about their entitlement to the spoils after they had dominated territorially for long spells in either half. In the end they had to thank AIL debutant Stephen Irvine for the try that keeps them well-placed in the race for a top four play-off place.
Follow the link below for the full match report
01-02-2010 Play Six Nations Fantasy Rugby
We have once again set up a Fantasy Rugby mini league so that you can pick your own Six Nations side and play along during the championship and compete against other club members.
To take part go to the game www.guinnessfantasyrugby.com and register. Pick your team then use the ‘mini league admin' option to join the club's mini league. The league name is Banbridge RFC Mini League and the password is riflepark.
You have until midnight on 5th February to register in time for this weekends matches.
01-02-2010 Boyd Brace helps Fourths to league win.
After a late morning inspection by the ground staff, the pitches at Rifle Park were declared playable and Bann's 4th XV took the field against Belfast High School Former Pupils Seconds last Saturday afternoon. Bann had beaten the Belfast side away from home earlier in the season, but with the sides meeting again this coming weekend in a cup tie, Saturday's game took on a new importance.
01-02-2010 Fifths progress into Butler Shield 4th round
A dominate display from Derek Moorheads Fifth XV ensured victory over Queens in the third round of the Butler Shield. Tries from Andy Laverty, Mark Ferguson, Adam Proctor and Stephen Jackson, plus 9 points from the boot of Mark Doherty accounted for Bann's 29 point haul to which Queens had no reply.
29-01-2010 Bann beat Barnhall to go fourth
Rory Best's return to action coincided with Banbridge moving one more place up the table and crucially into a play off spot. Three first half tries from Adam Ervine, Jordy Weir and captain Simon McKinstry proved enough in the end to see out the win.
Video highlights are of limited quality due to the extremely misty conditions.
Follow link below for match report.
28-01-2010 January Friends of BRFC prize draw winners
The January Friends prize draw was held in the clubhouse last Saturday after the Barnhall match. The winner of the £200 for Friends present at the draw was won by Kevin McCartan, while the big £1000 prize was won by Gilbert Honeyford. Congratulations to both.
25-01-2010 Heading to Twickers for the Six Nations
Are you planning to make the trip to Twickenham for this seasons Six Nations encounter with England? If you are in London on the Friday night the following will be of interest.
On the evening of Friday 26th February the inaugural England Legends v Ireland Legends match for the Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup is being held at The Stoop, Twickenham. The Legends charity match, a fundraiser for paralysed rugby players, will provide the perfect opener to a great weekend of rugby with the Six Nations clash the following day.
23-01-2010 Rory Best to play for Bann this Saturday
Rory's road to recovery following surgery on his shoulder last August will see him once again pull on the navy, maroon and yellow colours that he began his rugby career wearing.
The Ulster captain and Ireland international is expected to start Banbridge's All Ireland League match this Saturday at home against Barnhall in what will be his first competitive rugby of the season.
Match kicks off at 2.30pm.
20-01-2010 Get involved - new coaches and referees wanted!
The club is always looking out for new coaches and referees at all levels. So if you are looking for a new challenge and are interested in taking up the whistle in either a coaching or refereeing capacity then we would like to hear from you.
Coaching or refereeing offers a great opportunity to remain active in the sport following injury or retirement, or to gain a sense of achievement by providing an invaluable service to players, and spectators alike.
Whatever your reason for getting involved, the club will gladly support you through your initial training and beyond into your new role.
So if you are interested please speak with any of our existing coaches or reply to this email, stating your specific interest, and you will be put in touch with the appropriate person.
16-01-2010 Late McKinstry try gives Bann win in Well
Neville Farr held his nerve to convert Simon McKinstry's late try to give Bann a slender win over Sundays Well in Cork. There was little to separate the two sides in this competitive encounter, but McKinstry's try which came following a series of drives from a lineout set up Bann's win after Sundays Well had kicked two penalties in the first half. The results lifts Bann above Sundays Well in the table and keeps them in contention for a top four finish.
Follow the link for match report.
14-01-2010 Fixture Update -16th January
Sundays Well are confident that this weekend's AIL match at Musgrave Park will go ahead. Munster were due to play Llanelli there last weekend but the match was called off despite the pitch having heated covers. The covers stayed in place into the start of this week, and having now been removed, Well officials are 90% certain the match can go ahead. A final decision will be made tomorrow (Friday).
There are two home matches planned for Rifle Park this Saturday. A final pitch inspection will take place tomorrow to determine if these can go ahead.
Check back to the website for updates on all weekend rugby.
UPDATE: Sundays Well have confirmed that Saturday's match is on.
07-01-2010 All rugby off this weekend
The period of cold weather that is still gripping the country has led the IRFU to take the decision to postpone all AIL matches this weekend. And Rifle Park has not been spared, where, for the second week in a row all matches have been called off. The grounds staff, under the stewardship of Noel Thompson, will be keeping a keen eye on the temperatures next week in the hope that a thaw will eventually set in.
Updates will be posted on the website as and when they are available.
07-01-2010 Past President Kenny McElroy awarded MBE
Banbridge RFC Past President and Club Trustee Kenny McElroy has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List. The award recognises Ken's work for tourism in Northern Ireland.
Kenny began his rugby at Banbridge Academy, before joining the club for a long playing career. He held various positions of office within the club, including a distinguished presidency between 1979 and 1982, which saw the club move into its new clubhouse in 1981.
Congratulations Kenny!
02-01-2010 Banbridge v Malone - MATCH OFF
Banbridge's Ulster League fixture against Malone has been called off because the pitches at Rifle Park are unplayable. The 2nds match at Malone, the U19s match at Portadown and this morning's youth matches are also off.
The clubhouse will be open from 4pm this afternoon.
Wednesday 23rd December - In addition to the Annual Rugby Club Christmas Cracker held every year, this Christmas the club is organising a special Festive Feast for the players beforehand.22-12-2009 A Christmas Message from our President
The Club President, Dave Neilly would like to wish all the members, friends and sponsors of Banbridge Rugby Football Club a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Thanks to all those hard workers around the club who give up their free time to help make us a successful club, both on and off the field of play. Thanks also to all our sponsors and Friends of BRFC who help finance us, and we hope you all get worthwhile value out of your generous support.
21-12-2009 Dungannon cling on to deny Bann first Ulster League win
The final whistle in Saturday's Ulster League game at Rifle Park came as a great relief to players and spectators alike as the icy cold wind had the gathering assistance of rain to inflict discomfort in the closing stages. But Dungannon's anxiety to hear proceedings brought to a conclusion was probably intensified by their fear of Bann making it three wins in the last four games between the sides.
14-12-2009 Seconds score three tries to win in Rainey
Bann Seconds travelled to Magherafelt for an early kick off in the League. In confident mood following the previous week's success over Ards, they hoped that they would give the Firsts a pre-match boost, and they duly achieved this by a scoreline of 21-7.
14-12-2009 13s emphatically avenge earlier defeat
It was hard to believe that this was the same Bann U-13 side that had lost so heavily at Malone earlier in the season. There were few changes in personnel but a major change in attitude which saw the Rifle Park lads through to a convincing avenging win.
09-12-2009 Go Trade continues club sponsorship
Gordon Waugh's meat sourcing company, Go Trade, continues its sponsorship of the club. Gordon enjoyed his rugby at Banbridge, featuring the successful Crawford Cup winning 2nd XV before his work took him to England and then on to Enniscorthy, Wexford where his company Go Trade is based.
Go Trade's logo appears on the 1st XV playing shorts. Sponsorship opportunities exist throughout the club including on our pitch side sign, team jerseys, playing, training and warm up gear. If you are interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities with the club, you can send an email to news@banbridgerfc.com or speak with a club official for more information.
05-12-2009 AIL Preview - Banbridge v Ards, 5th December
After tasting defeat in their first four AIL games, Ards have rallied to pick up wins in their last two outings. They came away with a 13-16 success from Naas and followed that up with a 16-9 home victory over Portadown. Narrow defeats at home to Barnhall (20-26) and Wanderers (12-13) have seen them pick up a couple of bonus points to leave them just one point short of Bann's tally, albeit from one more game played.
30-11-2009 Battling Bann lose at top of table Harlequins
Predicting the outcome of this game seemed a no-brainer, with the teams occupying opposite ends of the Ulster Senior League table. If the result followed the form, the differential between the team in terms of ability was less marked than might have been expected. Pace-setters Belfast Harlequins duly strengthened their position at the top with their fifth win from six outings, but they had to rely on the boot of Michael Heaney for all their points against a Bann side which continues to show improvement.
30-11-2009 Fashion show - a great success!!
The return of the BRFC Fashion Show proved a great success with the Belmont Hotel packed out for two great evenings of entertainment. The audiences were treated to a varied mix brought to them by a hard working group of models and crew who ranged in age from 3 to 55 years old.
30-11-2009 Friends of Banbridge RFC - November Results
The November FOBRFC draw was held on the 21st at the Night at the Races with Charmaine Mehaffey being drawn out for the big £1000 prize. Stevie Cross, another long standing club member like Charmaine, won the £200 prize for Friends present on the night.
While in the racing the, Barney McKevitt's horse claimed first place in the winners race, just pipping John Best's horse in second and Willie Weir's horse in third. The horse owners won £50, £30 and £20 respectively.
December's FoBRFC draw will be held on Wednesday 23rd December at the Annual Christmas Party.
David Neilly will be giving out Friends of BRFC ties, umbrellas and complimentary match tickets to any Friends who have not received these yet. He will be in the new committee room from 12:00 to 12:30 on Saturday the 5th December before the Ards game.
25-11-2009 BRFCs very own Stavros McFlatley to star in the Fashion Show!
The Rugby Club Fashion Show at the Belmont Hotel has always been a ‘must see' event and this one is even bigger and better than before. The cast have been working hard to deliver some really cracking entertainment and the real show stopper has to be Banbridge's very own hilarious Stavros McFlatley. The show is on for two nights, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November with all the audience being invited to the aftershow party following the last night of the Show!
Tickets are only £5 and are available from The Belmont Hotel, Shoefair, and Savoy Tailors Guild at the Outlet or from the bar at the Club.
24-11-2009 BRFC Fashion Show - 24th and 25th November
Put it in your diary now - you really don't want to miss what promises to be the event of the year. The BRFC Fashion Show has always delivered the most fun, entertaining event and this year all ‘the stops are out' to be even bigger and better than before.
21-11-2009 Night at the Races & Ireland v Fiji
On the 21st November, Banbridge Rugby Club will be rolling two great sports into one to offer you an excellent evenings entertainment. Ireland will face Fiji in the second of their Autumn Internationals and the match will be shown live in the clubhouse on a big screen kicking off at 5.15pm. Following this match hotdogs and burgers will be on offer and the club will be hosting a Night at the Races.
The Night at the Races will include the Friends of BRFC November draw which will take place at 9pm.
19-11-2009 Fixtures update
Wednesday's (25th) Thirds game against Ballymena (re-arranged from Saturday) and Thursday's U-19 game against 'Hinch have been postponed because of the unplayable pitches. This weekend's (28th November) Mini and Youth rugby are currently on subject to pitch inspection later on the week. The youth teams are away to Ballynahinch, the minis away to Dromore and the U19s at home to Dromore. Updates will be posted here.
18-11-2009 Bann gain bonus point at Nenagh
When Richard Finlay nipped in for his side's third try 11 minutes from the end of this AIL Division Three game, with Robin Thompson's conversion bringing Bann to within one point of the home side, the odds favoured a bonus-point victory for the Rifle Park team. But it was Nenagh Ormond instead who grabbed the fourth try just three minutes later, sealing their win and in the process picking up maximum points.
09-11-2009 Young Bann side show battling spirit in defeat
Reigning champions Ballynahinch made it four wins from five starts in Saturday's re-arranged Ulster League game at Rifle Park. Both sides were short a number of regulars, with the nine Bann absentees resulting in a starting XV with an average age of 20. Indeed lock Chris Allen at 21 years was the oldest player in the home front five, with 24 year-old flanker Darren Cochrane the veteran in the team.
09-11-2009 Seconds shut out Ports in Junior Cup win
An away victory against local rivals Portadown in the Junior Cup was just the tonic for a Bann second string that finally produced a win that their recent performances had been promising. What was probably most pleasing was the fact that the home team were unable to score any points in reply to Bann's tally
Banbridge took another firm step on the road to recovery with a bonus point win over Naas in last Saturday's All-Ireland league encounter.
Four tries in the opening hour's play allowed Bann the luxury of relaxation and they took full advantage02-11-2009 Five-try Fourths record emphatic win
Bann Fourths' recent revival continued with a thumping 38-7 victory away to Belfast High School Former Pupils on Saturday. With Bann running in five tries and out-half Ally Lewis adding thirteen points from the boot it was a fine team performance and as emphatic as the score line suggests.
02-11-2009 Clissold scores in U17s defeat
Bann's Under-17 squad found Dromore too strong in Saturday's friendly, losing out on a 4-1 try count. Poor tackling let the visitors in for two early tries and when Dromore broke out of their own "22" to add a third it looked as if Bann were in for a tanking.
The first of eight £1000 draws took place at the Halloween Party on Saturday night in the club and was won by Keith Hannath. Richie Anderson won the £200 prize for 'Friends' present on the night. Congratulations to both. 01-11-2009 Friends of Banbridge RFC
There is still time to join Banbridge's new initiative Friends of Banbridge RFC before the first of eight £1000 draws takes place this Saturday at the Hallowe'en Party. Follow the link below to discover more and find out how you can help to develop rugby in Banbridge in the years to come.
NOTE: The first £1000 draw, along with a draw for £200 for members present at the draw, will take place on Saturday 31st October.
Click for details on the Banbridge RFC Halloween Party and to see some photos from the last Halloween Party.
BRFC Junior Rugby Club invite you to their Hallowe'en Junior Fancy Dress Disco for minis up to under 14s on Wednesday 28th October from 5.30 - 8pm. Admission is £2 and parents and friends are very welcome.26-10-2009 More positives for Seconds despite result
A league game at Belfast Harlequins provided Bann Seconds with the opportunity to build on an encouraging performance at Dungannon and perhaps grab a second win of the season. However this was not to be, as they allowed the hosts to make the most of the elements and claim the points.
26-10-2009 Chambers brace sets Fourths on way to first win
Banbridge Fourths recorded the first win of their league campaign with a hard-fought victory over Portadown at Rifle Park on Saturday. Starting with a much changed line-up it took the locals a while to gel but when they did they played the better rugby to run in three tries and secure the two points.
25-10-2009 Bann dominate in Carlow to record first win
Banbridge recorded their first win of the season with a dominant forward display paving the way for a 30-12 victory over Co Carlow in Oak Park. Carlow's scrum was engaged in reverse gear for much of the afternoon and Bann may very well have picked up a fourth try bonus point had the home side not suffered two injuries in their front row forcing uncontested scrums. As it was Bann were restricted to just the three tries but will be content to have picked up the four points on their travels.
24-10-2009 Six Nations Trophies returning to Rifle Park
If you missed the last visit of the Six Nations and Triple Crown trophies to Rifle Park you will have another chance to see them as Rory Best will once again be bringing them to the Rugby Club when he visits the mini rugby players this Saturday (24th). The trophies will be at the club from 9.30am to 11am and players, their family and friends, and anyone else are encouraged to come along and get their photo taken with Rory and the trophies.
21-10-2009 Thirds too strong for Lim'
Bann Thirds maintained their unbeaten home record, denying Saturday's visitors Limavady Seconds any points in a fiercely competitive contest at Rifle Park. A late converted try from Francois Viljoen made victory certain after Mark Irwin had touched down for Bann's first shortly after the interval, but their try count could have been significantly more.
21-10-2009 Colin growing moustache for charity
If you see a grizzly looking creature roaming around the changing rooms or clubhouse at Rifle Park some time in the next month please don't be alarmed. 1st XV player and last season's club captain, Colin Bickerstaff, has decided to put down his razor for the month of November to help raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer as part of the moustache growing charity event known as 'Movember.'
20-10-2009 Seconds fall to 'Gannon second half flurry
Bann Seconds eventually succumbed to the superior firepower of the Dungannon second string, but not before they had threatened to de-rail the opposition's league ambitions. The Rifle Park side battled back from two tries down to tie the score on 12-12 early in the second half.
20-10-2009 19s dish out seven try demolition to Ards
The Gordon's Chemist sponsored Under 19's made it 6 wins out of 6 in their 7 try demolition of league rivals Ards at Hamilton Park. With wing Clark McAllister another week away from returning from a shoulder injury, lock Charles Gallagher not too far behind and Nathan Martin out for the foreseeable future it was by no means a full strength team.
20-10-2009 17s made to fight for win
Bann U17s played hosts to Carrickfergus on Saturday last and ran out 15-12 winners in a tight fought game which went down to the wire. The home side started brilliantly, scoring in the first 5 minutes when out-half Adam Doherty broke from 45 metres out to run home a great try in the corner.
20-10-2009 15s suffer narrow defeat
Bann's Under-15 side suffered a narrow defeat to a strong Carrick team in Saturday's league encounter at Rifle Park. Bann started brightly with some strong running from second row forward Johnny Adams and No 8 Thomas Carlisle, with only resolute defending from the Carrick side preventing the Bann team from taking the lead.
17-10-2009 Bann lose narrowly to Inst
Five penalties from the boot of out-half Robin Thompson earned Banbridge a losing bonus point from their opening home game of the All-Ireland League campaign. But it could so easily have been a four-pointer for the hitherto struggling Rifle Park side as they contrived to throw away two gilt-edged chances in the second half to cross the Instonians line.
16-10-2009 Fifths win at Palace Grounds
Having narrowly lost their opening league match Bann Fifths demonstrated their intention to take full points from this encounter with the first ten minutes of the game played at a blistering pace. Both sides created early try-scoring opportunities, however it was Bann who should have gone ahead when Chris Nelmes broke through in the centre and drew the full back before releasing to Derek Moorhead, who knocked on with only the line in front of him.
16-10-2009 Battling seconds sunk by late scores
Bann Seconds were keen to show that recent results were not indicative of their ability, and from the start they showed an eagerness to take the game to the visitors with good solid scrummaging, driving mauls, and tackling in numbers gaining good ground and keeping play in the Inst "22".
16-10-2009 19s defeat local rivals in round robin
With the withdrawal of Instonians from the league the Gordon's Chemist sponsored Under 19's took part in a three-way round robin competition with local rivals Dromore and Ballynahinch. Bann prevailed in both ties racking up forty points in as many minutes and defeating 'Hinch 12-7.
16-10-2009 15s score three in physical battle
Bann's Under-15 side succumbed to the greater power of a strong Malone outfit in Saturday's league encounter at Cherryvale playing fields, Belfast. The Belfast side remains unbeaten in all games this season, and with a large catchment area to draw players from, the Bann team knew this would be a step up in class.
16-10-2009 Stevenson scores twice in defeat
Bann U17s lost away to Malone 29 - 10 on Saturday last in a hard fought match where the final score line flattered the home team. The first 15 mins of the match saw a tight forward battle with the Bann defence superb and some hard tackles coming in from both forwards and backs.
Banbridge came away empty-handed from The Dub after Saturday's opening game in the All-Ireland League game, with two late Queen's tries denying them a losing bonus point.
06-10-2009 Bann entertain Instonians in first home AIL match of season
Banbridge welcome Instonians to Rifle Park this Saturday afternoon for the first home AIL tie of the season. Instonians enjoyed a comfortable win against Portadown in the opening round of Division 3 matches, while Bann succumbed to Queen's at The Dub. Banbridge put in a magnificent performance in the same tie two seasons ago to win 19-8 and will be hoping for a similar result when the two sides face each other once again in Division 3 rugby. As usual on AIL match days there will be after match entertainment, with musician Jack Daniels starting around 5pm.
Bann U-15's entertained Rainey in their second league encounter in blustery weather conditions at Rifle Park, defeating them comfortably scoring ten tries in the process.
Bann U-17s played an entertaining game against Rainey on Saturday which they eventually won 41 -12 with Adam Doherty scoring a hat-trick and captain Jonny McCreery a brace of tries.05-10-2009 U13s give encouraging second half display
Bann's Under-13s have started well this year but due to the re-structuring of the age groups, a number of players have had to take on unfamiliar positions which will take a little time to organise. Rainey were the opposition on Saturday, and they proved to be a well-drilled physical side.
29-09-2009 Bann exit cup to Trin'
The result of Bann's first round AIB All-Ireland Cup game may have gone with the form book, with Division Two side Dublin University earning a second round trip to Galwegians. But the visitors' display was laced with encouragement for the up-coming Division Three AIL campaign.
28-09-2009 Morrison shines in Seconds victory
Bann Seconds entertained their Portadown counterparts in their second league match of the season at Rifle Park. The original team selection had been affected up to just before kick-off with the un-availability of a few players due to the Blue Sox tour taking place.
This weekend sees Banbridge travel south to take on Dublin University in the first round of the AIB Cup.25-09-2009 Ulster Youth News
Ulster U18s, captained by Banbridge's Jonny Murphy, drew their final interpro 13-13 against Munster at Musgrave Park last Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Ulster U19s match against Munster has been rearranged and will now kick off at 5pm on Friday at Ravenhill. The U19s squad includes Banbridge players Stephen Irvine, Chris Leathem and Jonny Harris.
The Blue Sox will once again depart Banbridge for foreign shores this Friday when they head to the sunnier climes of Loule in Portugal, taking with them the infamous touring 'boot'.
Bann's Jonny Murphy will lead his troops into their final interpro when Ulster Youth U18 face Munster at Musgrave Park on Saturday.
Banbridge winger Chris Leathem scored the all important try in Ulster's 8-6 win over Leinster in Donnybrook last weekend in the Under 19 Inter-provincial fixture.15-09-2009 Valiant Bann run Ballymena close
Eaton Park has not been a favourable venue for Banbridge since their rise into the senior ranks of Ulster rugby, with the Braidmen having inflicted some heavy defeats on Bann sides in recent trips there. And given Banbridge's fairly inauspicious start in the Ulster league, few would have predicted much else for last Saturday's meeting between the teams. Instead, Bann delivered a physical and determined performance that could very easily have given them an unlikely win against the Division 1 side.
Banbridge Seconds travelled to Ballymena for an early kick-off in the opening league match of the year. After an encouraging performance last week in the cup.....
Macmillan Cancer Support will be holding a fundraising bbq this Saturday night in the Rugby Club. Tickets £10. 
Stephen Irvine, Chris Leathem and Jonny Harris have all been selected in the Ulster U19 Youth team to face Leinster at Donnybrook on Friday night.05-09-2009 Ben Nevis Charity Fundraiser
An adventurous group of ladies from Banbridge, including a number of our club members' wives will be soon undertaking a charity climb to the top of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. The group are holding a Charity BBQ, Disco and raffle this Saturday night in the Rugby Club from 7pm until late. Tickets are £10. The money raised will go to support the Mandeville Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.
01-09-2009 Bann lose Ulster League opener
Banbridge started their Ulster League campaign with a disappointing defeat last Saturday at Magherafelt. Having picked up three All-Ireland League wins in the last three games of last season to finish a relatively respectable eleventh in Division Three, the Rifle Park squad travelled to Rainey hoping to make a winning start in the provincial competition.
29-08-2009 Big Bann BBQ
Banbridge kicked off the season properly on Saturday with the Big Bann BBQ including the launch of 'Friends of BRFC'.
Over 120 people enjoyed the food and entertainment during the evening including live music from Daniel and the Lion.
The 'Friends' £200 'Early Bird' draw was made on the night for all those already signed up to the scheme and this was won by Jimmy Robinson
Rory Best accompanied the Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown Shield on its recent visit to Rifle Park. Young and old alike came to admire the silverware and have their photo taken with it. Click to see more photos.26-06-2009 Bann defeat Cooke in preseason friendlies
Banbridge eased themselves into the new rugby season with a win over Belfast side Cooke at Rifle Park last Saturday. With four new faces in their starting line-up, this was an encouraging opener for Andre Bester’s team, albeit against a Cooke side which features in Qualifying Section One of the Ulster League.