10-TRY FIFTHS RAMPANT AGAINST NEWRY
BANBRIDGE 5THs 60 Newry 2  5 
January 24, 2009

Bann entertained Newry Seconds in last Saturday’s league game, anxious to put their recent cup setback behind them.

The home side received the ball from the kick-off and immediately drove upfield by means of good mauling by the pack. Newry initially soaked up the pressure but when Bann laid back good ruck ball scrum-half Kris Coleman moved it out the backs where winger Andrew Laverty broke two tackles to go in for the opening score. Francois Viljoen, making a welcome return after a prolonged lay-off through injury, duly obliged with the conversion.

He then added the extras to his own try, scored after he took a pass just inside the Newry “22” and forced his way through the defence. Pete McQuaid was next to touch down after he popped up between the half backs to crash over between two defenders. Mark Ferguson registered the fourth try, with the Newry defence again found wanting.

Just on the stroke of half-time Newry made a rare foray into Bann territory. Clean possession from a lineout on the home “22” was released to a forward peeling round and he broke through the Bann lines for an unconverted try.

Bann quickly regained control after the break, running in a further six tries with Ferguson, Laverty and McQuaid each doubling their tally. Paul Cairns, Ally Lewis and Coleman also got on the score sheet, with Viljoen adding a further three conversions.

This was a sound display with some good inter-play between forwards and backs. In the pack Mark Lewis put in his usual powerful performance, making a lot of ground. Prop Neil McKinney popped up everywhere in support and also carried the ball well. In the backs wingers Laverty and Armstrong continually pressurized the opposition through some strong running and counter-attacking.