Seconds see off Harlequins

The home side enjoyed the benefits of the strong wind in the first half but it took them 25 minutes to break the deadlock.

Opting for a scrum when awarded a penalty eight metres out from the ‘Quins line, a solid set piece allowed No 8 Jamie McDonald to pick up and feed half Craig Mulholland.

The scrum-half’s pass was fielded with difficulty by full-back Adam Waugh, but he managed to retain possession with one hand to cross the line and touch down.

Eight minutes later Bann again opted for the scrum when awarded a penalty 17 metres out and directly in front of the posts. Initially it seemed a good call but the resultant try was disallowed for “crossing” and ‘Quins reached half-time just five points in arrears and set to enjoy the elements.

Bann belied the wind in their faces to create several long periods of pressure on the visitors’ line, finally breaching the defence via lock Philip Jordan in the 63rd minute.

Four minutes later the ‘Quins centre found a gap in the midfield defence to race in from 30 metres. The try was converted as was a penalty five minutes later, tying the scores at 10-10.

With five minutes remaining Mulholland picked up from the base of a ruck to sprint 40 metres for a third unconverted try, with Marc Stevenson’s late penalty sealing the deserved win for what was a very young Bann side.

Rainey Seconds are visitors on Saturday for the first game in the Second XV League.