5ths out of McCambley Cup Share
Donaghadee 3rds 17 BANBRIDGE 5THs 0December 11, 2010
Banbridge Fifths travelled to Donaghadee to compete in the first round of the McCambley Cup. Bann started the match with a strong wind at their backs and were able to use it effectively to put pressure on Donaghadee in their own half.
With a mix of good handling and off-loads the Bann forwards progressed to near the 'Dee "22" where the home team's back row conceded a penalty by slowing the ball down. From wide out and in the windy conditions the kick dropped short and was cleared.
With a now clearly dominant scrum Bann continued to press and on two more occasions the Donaghadee back row conceded penalties by either diving over or illegally slowing down Bann possession. The Bann back row of Bryan Curran, Sam Boyd & Stuart Forsythe were overpowering their counterparts. Indeed the referee at this stage gave final warnings to the ‘Dee pack. Unfortunately Bann were unable to capitalise on these misdemeanours as a further two kicks were missed.
Throughout this period Bann had been forced to play Aaron Fawcett, the replacement front row, in the backs and he had performed admirably in his new role. With only minutes left in the first half Bann conceded a penalty around the half way line and the ‘Dee backs showed their true ability for the first time in the game. The ball was moved quickly through their centres and their speedy No 8 arrived outside them to create an overlap and run in for a try. The successful conversion ended the first half.
The second half again saw Bann put real pressure on the ‘Dee scrum and at lineouts they took the majority of their own ball. From one such set piece the forwards were able to set up good ruck ball and with Mark Ferguson feeding his back-line, John Haughey was only prevented from scoring by a last ditch tackle in the corner.
Midway through the second period the home team started to use their backline much more with their No 8 in very close support. From good possession they moved the ball wide and the No 8 was able to put the winger away to score in the corner. The conversion was missed.
Further ‘Dee pressure saw a try-saving tackle from full back Russell Anderson close to the Bann line. In the final minutes another backline move allowed Dee to score again out wide with the conversion missed.
Although defeated, the Fifths played their best rugby of the season. If the improvement can be maintained there is every hope of a successful run in the Butler Shield.
FIRSTS FRIENDLIES
Banbridge will take on Ballymena in a friendly on Monday night (20th) at Rifle Park, kick-off 7.30pm.
The match has been arranged to give both teams game time after the loss of fixtures due to the freezing weather. Bann coach Daniel Soper is also hoping to confirm a trip to Portadown on Thursday 30th December as he prepares for the re-arranged All-Ireland League fixture at Navan on 8th January.