Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

The next 15 minutes, like most of the game, turned out to be a scrappy affair with Bann enjoying most of the territory but knocking on or conceding needless penalties at vital times, allowing a very committed Lurgan side to clear their lines. From a lineout just inside their own half Bann moved the ball to the wing and with quick second phase ball Macauley Little got in behind the Lurgan defence and fed the supporting Josh Coyle for the second try of the game.

Straight from the kick off the ball was moved wide once again and after a couple of quick rucks Little was on hand to make a break from the Lurgan 10 metre line and score under the posts, converting his own try to give his team a 17 point lead.

From the re-start it was the home team's turn to exert all the pressure and for the last 10 mins of the half it was all Lurgan, with their pack keeping the ball for long periods. Good ball retention and quick rucking put their impressive centre in possession outside the Bann "22" and he shrugged off numerous attempted tackles to score wide out, leaving the half time score 5-17.

The second half turned out to be a non-event with most of the game being played just inside the Lurgan half. Scoring opportunities were few and far between with the Lurgan centre and wing proving to be the most likely source of points for the home team, but thankfully the Bann tackling had improved in the second half.

Any time Bann got close to the Lurgan line once again knock-ons and indiscipline were to cost them. Mid way through the second half Banbridge managed to put a few phases of play together resulting in an overlap for Jason Gribben to score out on the right, the conversion again missed leaving the final score 5-22.

This was probably one of the 17s' poorer performances and they will have to cut out the defensive and handling errors if they are to maintain their challenge for league honours. All credit must go to Lurgan who were a much more committed and organised side from the one Bann had defeated 41-6 in the home fixture.

The Bann man-of-the-match on Saturday goes to Matty Beck whose work rate and commitment were second to none, although he was very closely followed in the pack by Timmy Savage and in the backs by Jason Gribben.