Heavy defeat for Under 16s

BANN'S Under-15 side suffered a heavy defeat to a strong Portadown team in Saturday’s friendly encounter at Rifle Park.

Bann started brightly with some strong running from lock forward Matthew Beck and No 8 David McElroy, with only resolute defending from the Portadown side preventing the Bann team from taking the lead.

The mobile Bann pack gradually started to exert some authority in the set plays and provided a solid platform for the backline. Bann took the lead when centre James Waugh broke through the Portadown defence to score.

Portadown replied immediately when some poor tackling by Bann allowed the visitors’ winger to score under the posts. A second visitors’ try followed shortly afterwards, when their outside centre carved through the Bann defence.

Just before the half-time break, Bann scrum-half Josh Cromie reduced the deficit with a fine individual try, which was converted.

Soon after the restart the resurgent Portadown backline scored two tries in quick succession. This dented the confidence of the young Bann team and some poor tackling resulted in further Portadown scores. Bann registered a late consolation try through Waugh.