Banbridge Rugby Club - Northern Ireland

The Kiwi full-back struck just three minutes into Saturday's game after Bann had run ball out of their own "22" to set up a good attacking position close to the visitors' line. When the ball was spun wide from the ruck Ward spotted a gap in the defence and sprinted through without a hand being laid on him.

Robin Thompson was wide with the conversion attempt and after Naas out-half David Ahearne had reduced the deficit with a penalty in front of the posts his opposite number saw an effort from 38 metres rebound off an upright.

Ward was almost in for a second try after good work by centre Jonny Little, but when the touch judge signalled for a foot in touch the referee went back for a penalty from close range which Thompson struck over.

Bann continued to have the better of the play, thanks to a solid set scrum and efficient lineout, but the Naas line held until the last play of the half. With the visitors' scrum under pressure five metres out from their line, Bann opted for a re-set from a penalty. No 8 Stephen Irvine's pick-up and drive was held out, but when the ball was re-cycled and moved left it was déjà vu for the fragile defence as Ward sliced through to touch down in virtually the same spot for a 13-3 interval lead.

Bann kicked a 47th minute penalty to the corner and three rucks later spun the ball wide to centre Andrew Morrison who ghosted through the Naas lines for a fine try.

Ten minutes later, after Thompson and replacement prop Jonny Weir had made good ground with ball in hand, Morrison and Jonny Pollock followed up a Garryowen to force Naas to concede a five metre scrum, from which Irvine was able to force his way over with the assistance of his pack, with Thompson adding the conversion.

Ward's third and best try of the day came on the hour, when he fielded a kick inside his own half and jinked and weaved his way through the bemused Naas defence on a 55 metre run to the line. Thompson's conversion found the target and Bann were 32-3 ahead.

The result was now beyond doubt but Naas continued to try to play constructive rugby and their reward came in the shape of a Donal Droney try, after a series of quick rucks had created space for the centre to run in from 18 metres range. Ahearne added the conversion but the 29 point differential was restored within two minutes.

Bann winger Andrew Kirkwood came off the blindside wing to take possession on the Naas "22", then found Thompson with a neat reverse pass five metres out to leave the out-half to touch down and add the extras.

Bann's Director of Rugby John Best was impressed with the way his side had performed. "I thought it was a very workmanlike performance, interspersed with periods of excellent play," he said after the game, "The forwards are providing a great platform and the backs are reaping the benefit of that.

"If the rugby is as good at Ravenhill I'll be more than happy," he added as he rushed off to watch son Rory re-join his Ulster team-mates for the Connacht game, his first outing since the World Cup.

This was not the complete performance from the Rifle Park squad, but there will be few complaints from coach Daniel Soper after another five-pointer that keeps them well in contention.

Things are shaping up nicely for Bann's December visit to Hatrick Park, where Rainey will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run. Before that however Bann have three important games.

Soper will be looking for a good performance from his team when Ballynahinch visit in the Ulster League this Saturday. Then Instonians are due on Saturday week for the Ulster Senior Cup semi-final before the squad travels to Drogheda to take on Boyne in the fifth of the AIL games.

Bann team against Naas:- Brendan Ward, Jonny Pollock, Andrew Morrison, Jonny Little, Andrew Kirkwood, Robin Thompson, Adam Ervine, Michael Cromie, Jonny Murphy, Brian Hanna, Colin Bickerstaff, Simon McKinstry (Capt), Dale Carson, Andy Brown, Stephen Irvine. Replacements:- David Weir, Jonny Weir, Mark Wilson, Neville Farr, Stephen Cowan.