Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

It was the third season in a row that they had overcome the Co Antrim side at this stage of the competition and was sweet revenge for being adjudged runners up on the ‘first try scored' rule, following their draw with Carrick in the Ulster League play-off just a few weeks ago.

There has been nothing to choose between these two teams all season, with Carrick starting as slight favourites on Saturday by virtue of home advantage.

During the early stages the Carrick pack had an advantage in the scrums and from a strike against the head they kicked forward, won a quick ruck and scored close to the posts. Although the conversion attempt failed, Carrick were now on top and they soon went further ahead with another well taken unconverted try.

This was the wake-up call Bann required and after some impressive rucking Matthew Beck crashed over the Carrick line to reduce the deficit. Bann now had their tails up and after a strong run by James Waugh the supporting William Wilson raced over for the equalising score. Just before half time Bann lost concentration, allowing Carrick to score under the posts, with the conversion giving the home side a seven point interval lead at 17-10.

The second half saw a different Bann team. They took the attack to Carrick and some big carries by the forwards led to David McIlroy smashing through the defence for a well-worked try, Michael Moore adding the extras to leave the scores level at 17-17.

After another period of pressure Bann were awarded a penalty which Moore converted, putting his side in the lead for the first time. Bann continued to control the exchanges with the forwards having the upper hand over the home pack. The lead was then increased to ten points when Moore crossed for a try and added the conversion.

With only a few minutes remaining Carrick's impressive out-half made a break only to be stopped short, but from the resulting scrum Carrick scored to reduce the deficit to three points at 27-24.

Bann were not finished, they immediately went on the offensive and were awarded a penalty 10 metres from Carrick's line. The quick thinking Beck took a tap and raced over, stretching his team's lead to eight points with no way back for the gallant Carrick side.

This had been a great game of rugby and credit must be given to Carrick who played their part in providing a great spectacle for both sets of supporters. But on the day Bann were deserving winners and they now look forward to taking on City of Derry in the final.