TAGGERS ENTER HOUSE OF PAYNE

The full back, who is the biggest signing in the history of Ulster Rugby, was making his comeback from injury after rupturing his Achillies tendon during what was only his third appearance for Ulster.

His appearance comes as the Taggers close in on a fourth league title in a row, and Payne played his part in helping the Mengal Taggers to two victories, seeing off Le Racing Club 10–6 and overcoming Tagged and Tested 14–8 in the Volkswagen Tag Summer League at Malone RFC.

The first game saw the Taggers get off to a slow start, going down 5–0 to Le Racing Club at the break making this the first time in seven years that the Taggers had failed to score a point in a half.

However, whipped into a frenzy after a Payne team talk, the Taggers were back to their best to outscore their opponents 10–1 in the second half to take the game 10–6.

The second game of the evening saw Mengal take on Tagged and Tested, who had a number of Ballynahinch and Ulster Rugby League players playing.

However a solid performance from the Mengal Taggers saw them record a 14-8 victory to propel the Mengal Taggers to the top of the league with two games in hand over their nearest rivals. (League Table here.)

Speaking after the games Taggers Player/Coach Gareth Bronte said, “It was good to have Jared make an appearance for the league leaders, and he took to tag like a duck to water.

“He showed some Jedi like tagging and ball handling skills which all added to the excitement of the evening.

“This was a great boost for our squad who are still feeling the “Payne” of our successful 31 hour non stop World Record breaking attempt plus he kept us laughing all the way through with his awesome banter!

“We wish Jared all the best when he makes his return for Ulster very soon.”

All support is welcome for those two games this Thursday and, you never know, they may even have Jared making another appearance.