Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

From the very start Bann demonstrated their intention to run the ball at every opportunity. Scrum half Michael Chambers and No.8 Sam Boyd quickly developed a great understanding at the base of the scrum and provided Francois Viljoen with some great ball to distribute to his backs. It was from one of these moves that Albert Finney forced his way over for Bann's first try which Mark Doherty converted.

The Bann pack contested every ball and Johnny Harris is particularly
worthy of a mention for a great performance at tight head prop,
alongside the experienced front rowers, Andy Fulton and Geoff Little. In the second row, Stephen Nelson and Ross Semple dominated the lineout, with the latter particularly effective in the loose.

With the home side having worked their way close to the Dungannon 22 metre line, Sam Boyd broke from a ruck and slipped a fantastic reverse pass to Viljoen who ran a superb line to get over for a second try. The difficult conversion attempt was missed, leaving Bann with a 12-0 interval lead.

After a stern team talk from coach Willie Kirkwood at half-time, Bann started the second half with even greater enthusiasm. They were soon awarded a penalty which Doherty converted, and after some great work by Matthew Bird and Andy Craig in the back row, the backs cut loose and Doherty was soon to get over for a try which he duly converted.

With the backs running every ball they soon struck again through winger Peter Irvine and Doherty again added the extra points with the conversion. Unfortunately Irvine suffered a hamstring pull and had to leave the field.

Dungannon started to take advantage of the extra man, and soon ran in two tries, one of which they converted, to take the score to 29-12.

Although there was no danger of losing the game, Bann rallied to
avoid conceding any further points. With centres Finney and Willie Taylor combining well, winger Marty Armstrong scorched in for a great try. Doherty added the conversion to complete the scoring.

This was a very impressive performance, particularly after the team's setback at CIYMS the previous week.

Picking a man of the match was very difficult, given the fact that everyone played so well. Harris, a name we'll here more of at tight head prop, the ever hard-working Bird and No 8 Boyd, who probably had his best game of the season so far, were all in the frame. But the award went to Viljoen for his all-round performance at out-half.

The Thirds' next game is against Portadown under the Rifle Park floodlights on Friday night, kick-off 7.30pm.