Thirds put Bangor to the sword Share
BANBRIDGE 3RDs 83 Bangor 2nds 3September 18, 2010
Bann Thirds took the field at home to Bangor 2nds last Saturday with a good blend of youth and experience. From early in the game it was evident that the good attendances at training so far this season were really improving the team's performance. The game turned out to be a very one-sided affair with Banbridge winning 83 points to 3, but the clinical way in which the team put the opposition away was what impressed the coaching team the most. The final tally was twelve tries to nil, two each from Calum Boland, Johnny Singleton, Sam Boyd, Mark Doherty and Willie Taylor, and tries apiece for Francois Viljoen and Mark Connolly. Mark Doherty converted all but two of the tries and kicked a penalty for a personal tally of 33 points. The foundation for this great victory was laid by the pack. The front row of Gareth Jelly, newcomer Mark Connolly and Andy Fulton dominated the scrummage, winning all their own ball and an unfair share of the opposition's. In the second row both Stevie Nelson and Nathan Martin soared above their opposite numbers to steal most of their throw-ins. With so much good first phase ball coming their way, the half-backs of Andy Cowan and Francois Viljoen had a field-day. Although the whole team worked hard and played very well there are a few players worthy of a special mention. At hooker, Mark Connolly, just new to our club, had a very promising debut. His lineout throwing and scrummaging were excellent, he chased well all around the pitch, and capped a great performance with a fine individual try fielding the ball from the Bangor kick-off and scoring under the posts. At open side flanker, Matthew Bird put in a sterling performance. Bangor never got a chance to dwell on the ball but Matthew was on them, spoiling their possession at every opportunity. The centre pairing of Gary McKibben and Willie Taylor was awesome. They continually cut up the opposition with Willie taking "Route One" through their line and Gary cleverly playing off him.
The back-row trio of Mark Lewis, Sam Boyd and Matthew Bird worked tirelessly to support the backs and rob the opposition of the little possession they were able to win from first phase.
All in all a great game, but there is no doubt that there will be stiffer opposition to come. If these guys continue to train and work on their games this team will be in for a great season.