Depleated Seconds thumped by 'Clare

Bann Seconds 0

BANN Seconds travelled to Ballyclare last week for their first game in the Conference League against the Qualifying League Two outfit.

Although Bann were always expecting a very difficult game, they did not expect a 76-0 rout. The fielding of a side which could really have been classed as an U-20 team left Bann very short of experience against the seasoned ‘Clare XV.

From the off, the Ballyclare tactics were clear, which was not to give the visitors time to settle. Any re-start was immediate and Bann were caught napping as the home side registered two early touchdowns. This then set the trend for the rest of the game.

With Bann giving away a consistent and unnecessary number of penalties, ‘Clare were able to maintain the pressure through quick taps, and each time they exploited the Bann frailties to the full. Although the heads did not go down, there appeared to be no way of adapting to each surge which saw Ballyclare backs and forwards combine to telling effect.

This pattern of play continued for almost the entire game, and on the few patches where Bann maintained possession, they found that 'Clare were able to be forced back. However, each of these phases ultimately came to nothing, partly due to Bann’s poor vision and also a determined home defence.

Overall, this was very much the wake-up call that the players needed as to what level of performance is now required if last year’s successes are to be at least matched. Although the scoreline fairly confirmed the utter dominance of the Co Antrim side, the fact is that Banbridge contributed to the scoreline far more than the home team did.

If there had been more complete tackles, and better decisions on some basic rugby, Ballyclare would not have been able to stroll about the park at will.

On a day when no player excelled, only out-half Andrew Kirkwood came out of the game with any credit by chasing all causes and often making last ditch tackles.