Academy score Portora RS victory

Banbridge Academy 29

THE First XV's win over Portora was as convincing as the score suggests, with the Academy showing power up front and punch in the backline.

Flanker Andrew McConnell grabbed the opening try for the home side and although Marc Stevenson's conversion was off-target the out-half kicked a tidy penalty to ensure his side took an 8-3 lead into the interval.

A Portora interception from 70 metres out gave them a converted try and the lead early in the second half. But it was to be short-lived as for the remainder of the game territory and possession were largely controlled by the Academy.

The work of the Bann pack was complemented by a strong-running backline. But it was No 8 Tom Jess who stole the show with three fine tries in a 15 minutes spell, all converted by Stevenson, as Bann made their undoubted superiority show on the final scoreline.

McConnell was in sparkling form at open-side and Kallan Martin got through a power of work in tight and loose. Tom Morrow, Joe Weir and Andrew Herron filled their shirts well having taken up key positions due to injuries in the backs.

There was another hat-trick in the Seconds' game, No 8 Harry Russell matching Jess's performance as his team registered a 57-5 win over Portora's second string.

The Medallion side lost out narrowly (20-17) while the U-14s, who have been particularly unfortunate in terms of early season injuries, battled gamely in going down 32-12.

The U13s were in fine form, with tries from Jack Pepper (2), Matthew McCarter, Andrew Neil and Andrew Rutledge taking them to a 31-15 win.