Dromore U13 Eagles take flight against well drilled Banbridge

Dromore were up for this local derby game and from the first kick drove the larger pack into their 22 and steady pressure from birthday Boy Adam Hanna saw an early try.

Banbridge kicked off but great skill and agility from Captain Caleb Harper saw the visitors back down in their opponents 22 some rucking stole the ball from Dromore but Adam Whittens tenacity insured Dromore got the ball back and swift hands from Rhys Dale and Alex Fergusson saw Conor Wood score in the corner.

Banbridge realised the aerial ball was no good for them and started to return low ball to Dromore but counter tactics coached by Nigel Malcomson and Pottsy on Monday night practice saw this over turned into Dromore pressure Out Half Rhys Dale took the aerial route and delivered an inch perfect ball to Ross Smyth who scored in the corner. After the second half Dromore were joined by their lost prop Jason Corry who collected an errant pass from Banbridge to score in the corner.

Banbridge received some harsh words behind the jumpers and rallied to score a try soon after the re start. Full back to scrum half and moved man of the match Adam Whitten into flanker saw two great trys scored from the back of the pack.

Banbridge U15 (15) v

Dromore U15 (18)

With this being a local derby it was a massive match to be a first round cup game, with both teams determined to come away with the bragging rights. It was clear to see that from the start Dromore where setting the early pace, driving Banbridge back into their own 22. The pressure was showing and 10 minutes in Dromore’s David Lyttle had a try ruled out for double movement. A couple of minutes later Dromore had the first points on the board with some great handling to send the full back Cameron Shakesby over in the corner. Much to Banbridges credit they came back into the game when missed tackles by Dromore lead to a try out wide. Dromore regrouped and took The second half started just like the first and continued on in the same manner end to end rugby. Once again some slick passing and movement from Dromores backs created problems for the oppositions defence, this time resulting in a nicely taken try in the corner from winger Ryan Fitzsimons. The 3 minutes Banbridge pushed hard for the breakthrough but were met by some strong Dromore defence, holding out for the win.