Winning run comes to an abrupt end

Bann U13s 0

BANN U13s' five-match winning run came to an end on Saturday when Portadown ran in four tries without reply. This was certainly a much-changed Portadown side to the one that lost 83-0 at Rifle Park in September.

Bann got off to their usual slow start and the agile Portadown lock won lineout ball and charged though the Bann defence to feed his winger to score in the corner. Bann had a great spell with William Cousins and Dubem Ajeh making good ground and bringing play deep into the Portadown half.

At this point when Bann had the momentum the referee stopped the game and walked off the pitch following some comments made by an over- critical Portadown fan.

Play resumed after about ten minutes with a Bannpenalty. The resulting kick didn't find touch and with Bann's momentum lost, Portadown were able retainpossessionand their speedy winger scored in the corner.

Bann were clearly out of sorts due to the stoppage and with some bad decisions and missed tackles they allowed Portadown in for two more quick scores in the corner.

Neither side managed to breach the other's defence in the second period.

Bann are better than the scoreline suggests and after a bizarre afternoon can hold their heads high.

Bann welcomed debutant Sheldon Savage who will add a lot of power to the scrum and Ben Matthews who has been out of action for a while.

Best on the day for Bann were Matthew Blain and Toby Baxter.

Training resumes on Wednesday night at 7pm. All boys with 1998 birthdays will be made very welcome.