Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

Bann captain Alex Megaw decided to play with the wind to try to get a good advantage in the game. With the strong wind at their backs it was clear that Bann's tactics were to keep the ‘Hinch boys in their own half. As in previous games Bann started off strongly and after a series of pick and goes Jake Chambers with a show of the ball crashed between two players for the opening try. Cameron Cromie converted.

Bann soon found themselves back in the ‘Hinch "22" with a huge up and under from Cromie chased up by Jason Jardine and William Wilson and the pair were able to regain possesion. Quick release from the impressive Josh Cromie and the ball was flashed quickly across the pitch to Jonny Bates to run in and score in the corner. Cromie superbly kicked to make it 14-0.

Once again Bann were in the opposition half and the tricky Keelan McCambridge jinked his way to the try line but was just short and knocked it on. The resulting scrum saw the superb Chambers take it against the head and once again quick release from Josh Cromie found McCambridge again who this time didn't come up short, stepping inside his marker to get the score. Cameron Cromie again converted. 21-0.

A Bann scrum saw the superb No 8 Alex Megaw break and make 20 metres and a wonderful off-load to the supporting Robin Hewitt saw the flanker get his second try of the season. The conversion was missed. The last play of the half say another great break by Cameron Cromie through the middle of the opposition. With the ‘Hinch still retreating Lee Jackson gathered the ball and with his power he was unstoppable from 10 metres and crashed over for the score. Cromie converted to leave the half time score at 33-0 to Bann.

A revitalized Ballynahinch with the wind at their backs started the second half and with a reverse drop kick caught the Banbridge defence still re-organizing. The winger was able to gather up the kind bounce and run in to score in the corner. Another opportunist Ballynahinch try came shortly after when the tricky ‘Hinch out-half ran in from the half way line avoiding about eight would-be tacklers to score under the posts.

Five minutes later the classy ‘Hinch No 10 was allowed to score almost a carbon copy of his last try when from a quick penalty he was able to run in untouched to touch down between the posts. ‘Hinch now had 21 points on the board and the Bann boys needed to tighten up. Captain Megaw just told everyone to remember their positions and to keep in simple.

Bann composed themselves and were able to drive their way into the ‘Hinch half. Through a combination of rucking and mauling with Ross Haughey and Jake Dennison to the fore they were soon at the ‘Hinch "22". A penalty was awarded to Bann for an infringement at the ruck. Captain Megaw saw the space, called for it quickly from scrum half Josh Cromie, and he was able to barge his way over for the vital score. Cameron converted to take the score to 40-21.

‘Hinch started to make better use of the wind but the Bann back three of Wilson, Bates and Jordan Mullan were able for the challenge, following the strict orders to keep it simple. One kick was hurried into touch for a ‘Hinch lineout and from a ruck the ball was fed once again to their out-half who weaved his way over the line again and expertly converted to leave the score at 40-28.

With 10 minutes left Megaw got his pack going again and they were quickly back in the ‘Hinch 22. A scrum to Bann followed and Josh Cromie fed back inside to Megaw who got over for his second try. The Bann weren't finished and they took play back into the ‘Hinch half with Jardine making one of his thundering runs. Possession was lost and the speedy ‘Hinch out-half once again received the ball in space and at full speed. But no one at the park foresaw Bann prop Jake Dennison covering back to make the tackle of the day to bundle the 10 into touch.

The last play of the day saw the powerful backs take on the ‘Hinch back line and a maul was formed in the ‘Hinch "22". Once again the quick thinking Josh Cromie saw the gap and his power was able to carry him over the line with three tacklers hanging of him.

This was a fantastic performance from the boys with every one of the guys fulfilling their duties to the letter. To have overcome this strong Ballynahinch team after the earlier defeat shows how mentally strong they are. As a unit they are starting to come together and work for each other as was shown in their support play which wasn't there earlier in the season. It's hard to single players out in such a great all round performance as every one of the guys was fantastic.

In a close call with Cameron Cromie, who showed his class at fly half by controlling the game from start to finish, the best player in the Banbridge shirt must go to captain Alex Megaw who not only got two tries when it mattered, he marshaled and instructed his men right around the pitch, as well as tackling, rucking and counter-rucking to great effect. He was even found in the back line when he knew the danger was going to there.

Training continues Mondays and Wednesdays for all 3rd and 4th school years from 6.50 to 8.30.