Narrow win moves Bann into fifth in Division Three

Banbridge 7

BANBRIDGE moved up to fifth place in Division Three of the All-Ireland League with the narrowest of wins at Sunday’s Well last weekend.

The Cork side have made massive strides since surviving a relegation play-off last season and went into the game boasting a points conceded record of just nine points per game.

They managed to improve on that record but still lost out as Bann’s late converted try was just enough to overhaul the six point lead the home side had built up in the first half.

Bann were forced into a couple of changes in personnel from the side that had followed up the home win over Ards with success at Rainey. With Alex Malcolm and Chris Leathem sidelined through injury Jonny Little moved from the wing to partner Dale Black in the centre, leaving Jordan Weir and Stephen Cowan to line out on the flanks.

Neither side had seen action since before Christmas but with both sides within striking distance of a top four slot it was clear from the outset that this would be a war of attrition. The prolonged icy spell of recent weeks ruled out the main pitch at Musgrave Park and the home side had the first half advantage of slope and wind on the greasy back pitch.

They used it well to keep Bann penned for long periods in and around their 22 through a series of forward surges or on occasions the accurate boot of out-half Eamonn Ronan. But the Bann set piece was solid and their tackling nothing short of resolute and Well’s first opportunity to register points did not arrive until 22 minutes into the game.

A penalty from a range of 46 metres appeared to offer more hope than promise but Ronan struck the ball firmly and it sailed between the uprights. Four minutes later Bann again infringed at a tackle situation and from closer range Ronan doubled his team’s tally.

That Bann were able to restrict the interval deficit to just six points was due to a disciplined rearguard action, with solid defence and a number of darting runs out of defence to relieve the pressure, notably from half backs Adam Ervine and Neville Farr and full-back Ashley Finlay.

It was the visitors’ turn to enjoy the benefits of the elements after the break, but for long periods they found the Munster side’s defence to be as unyielding as their own. Finlay and Ervine had probing runs to set up strong attacking positions but it appeared that every time Bann got within striking distance of the try line, they infringed or were knocked back by a rugged defence to lose turnover ball.

The introduction of hooker Paul Ross and prop Colin Bickerstaff gave fresh impetus just before the hour but still Well’s line stayed intact. With 12 minutes remaining Jonny Martin came on at lock with Chris Allen moving to the back row at the expense of Jamie Johnston and Jeff Dodds took over at scrum half with Ervine taking over from Weir on the wing.

The changes were to have an immediate if not entirely predictable impact as Ervine collected a Well chip ahead at full stretch on the halfway line and set off on a run which was only halted 10 metres out from the home try line.

Well conceded a penalty at the next phase, significantly the only penalty chance they offered within range of their posts throughout the entire 80 minutes.

Bann skipper Simon McKinstry quickly sized up the situation and decided to opt for the kick to the corner, rather than go for a testing shot at goal which, if successful, would have still left his side needing another score. The big lock secured the ball at the front of the lineout and the Bann forwards grouped to set up three pick-and-goes, with McKinstry himself finally driving over the line from close range.

That left the outcome of the game hinging on Farr’s kick and the out-half was coolness itself as he slotted it over to edge his team ahead. The home side’s response was immediate and Bann had to work hard to resist surging runs on either flank.

But when Bann won a penalty to move play back into opposition territory they again secured the lineout and successfully retained the ball through numerous phases to foil and frustrate the home side until the final whistle.

The result saw the teams swapping places in Division Three, with Bann now just two points behind fourth-placed Instonians. Saturday’s home game against Barnhall offers a real opportunity to maintain the momentum built up their last series of games, although a 15-0 win over Portadown will not see the Kildare side travel short on confidence.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 2.30pm at Rifle Park.