Narrow win for Bann U15s

Ballynahinch U15s 15

IN inclement weather conditions Bann’s U15 side gained a narrow victory over a resilient Ballynahinch team in Saturday’s friendly encounter at Rifle Park.

Bann started brightly with some strong running from prop forward Jake Chambers and No 8 David McElroy. However Ballynahinch were the first to break the deadlock when some poor Bann tackling allowed the opposition winger to score.

From the restart the Bann pack powered their way to the ‘Hinch line and captain Mathew Beck scored a fine try to level the score.

Just before the break the ‘Hinch out-half launched a high kick deep into the Bann 22 where an unfortunate misfield by the Bann defence allowed the ‘Hinch centre to score their second try for a 10-5 interval lead.

Bann had the elements in their favour in the second half and out-half Josh Cromie’s tactical kicking positioned the Bann forwards deep into the opposition half. The Bann pack provided a solid platform that enabled the midfield pairing of Cameron Cromie and James Waugh to test the resilience of the ‘Hinch defence.

Bann’s second try soon followed when out-half Josh Cromie weaved through several defenders to score with Adam Copes adding what proved to be a significant conversion.

During the last five minutes of the match the visitors managed to breach the otherwise solid-looking Bann defence, when their speedy centre showed a clean pair of heels to his pursuers to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but ‘Hinch were now 15-12 in front.

With just two minutes remaining the Bann team fought hard to retrieve the situation and some last ditch ‘Hinch defending could not prevent the Beck powering over the line to score and seal a hard fought victory.

This was a much improved team performance in very difficult weather conditions.

Banbridge fixtures for Saturday: Firsts v Ballymena (League, home); Seconds v Armagh (Junior Cup, away); Fourths v Omagh 3 (League, away); Fifths v Newry 3 (League, home).