Bann ready to get Ulster campaign underway

Although only promoted the Belfast side will contain a few faces recognisable to the Bann support. former Instonians forwards Aaron Gill and Chris Barnes lead the line with ex-Annadale midfielder Peter Bland pulling the strings in centre midfield in an experience unit.

Bann will expect a tough test at the weekend as Service have had a solid start to the season with a win over Kilkeel and South Antrim while narrowly losing 2-1 to Kirk Cup holders Cookstown at Coolnafranky.

The locals’ visit to East Belfast will also mark the first Premier league game for Civil Service on their fantastic new water based pitch, installed over the summer months and only opened formally a fortnight ago.

Bann finished runners up in the league last year, a point behind champions Cookstown but with the experience of a title contention season behind Tumilty’s young side the locals will be aiming to go one better this term.

Bann will hope to get over the poor North Down performance and get back to their early season form.

Josh Moffet was back in light training last week and should be fully fit in a couple of weeks. However Dane Ward and Hugh McShane both carrying a slight leg injuries should be fit to make this weekend’s squad, giving Tumilty some selection headaches.