Seconds record win in return to action Share
BANBRIDGE 2NDs 22 Carrick 13November 6, 2010
Due to a mixture of administrative mix-ups and dubious cancellations by other clubs, Banbridge Seconds finally took to the field for the first time in five weeks when they entertained Carrick Firsts in the Conference League. With the players maintaining as much sharpness as possible in training over this period, it was still the competitive edge that required testing. Bann moved further ahead seven minutes later when impressive centre James Andrews came storming onto a ball on the half-way line and brushed aside the defence to move play deep into the "22" where he did well to maintain possession until support arrived from the forwards, who then took control and soon found themselves under the posts. A quick release by Scott from one surge allowed Cromie the space to drive through for a well taken team score. McCallister's simple conversion stretched the lead to 12-0. This burst of scoring seemed to make Bann over-confident and their laziness in the ruck allowed Carrick to convert a simple penalty to reduce the arrears 10 minutes before the break. Bann re-grouped and just before the whistle staged a very impressive rolling maul from their own half which took play within striking range of the visitors' line. A series of breaks from the rear at this stage were, however, met by some impressive smother tackling by the Carrick defence, and they were able to keep Bann out until the interval. Bann were made aware at the break of the need to re-enforce their dominance and up the tempo, and in the opening exchanges they certainly did so with constant pressure in the contact. This allowed them to gain good field position when Carrick were penalised for infringing in the ruck. A scrum was awarded, and the ever impressive Bann eight kept the march to the line under control, with Andy Davidson getting the reward for his efforts thus far with the touch down. McCallister moved the score on to 19-3 with the conversion. Three minutes later Andrews again burst through on the half-way line, alternatively barging and weaving his way through the defence, eventually being stopped on the line. He was still able to hold on to the ball, but frustratingly he was adjudged to have made a forward pass to the supporting Bann player whose try was disallowed. A Carrick penalty 10 minutes later reminded Bann that they were not out of sight as the gap was reduced to 19-6. At this stage, Bann upped the tempo again and this facet was ultimately to produce the last competitive edge of the game. Two Bann players collided head on when tackling a Carrick player, resulting in hooker Lee Allen being taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after initial concerns over a neck injury. Although deserving winners, Bann took too many wrong options when in key areas, but this could be down lack of game time, but the general attitude in the team was good after the game in that they are keen to improve on this performance.
From the start the home side looked eager to get out of the blocks as they took on their opponents with some steady progress up the field, the forwards punching holes in the home defence. When attacking possibilities opened up, however, they often chose the wrong one, which enabled Carrick to get back out of their half on the back of Bann's mistakes. Although Bann seemed to hold all the trumps, the first 20 minutes continued in the same vein, with Carrick generally able to keep Bann in the centre of the park.
Then a couple of penalties awarded to Bann allowed Shandon Scott to set up an attacking line-out inside the visitors "22". Clean ball was won by David Little and this paved the way for the pack to work some pick and drives spearheaded by Jonny Martin and Michael Cromie. With these drives held up two metres short of the line, winger Clark McCallister saw his own wing uncovered, and he picked the ball from the ruck and showed great strength to power in for the opening score. The same player failed to add the extras from the touch-line.
With the game having to be moved onto the upper pitch for the last 15 minutes, the driving impetus and desire was understandably muted. However, even with Carrick able to gain a converted try, Bann still found the necessary edge to produce a game-killing penalty to end the game 22-13.
Thankfully the injury to Lee was confirmed the next day as concussion only, and his team-mates and coaches wish him a speedy recovery.