THIRDS DO ENOUGH IN FIRST HALF FOR WIN
BANBRIDGE 3RDs 21 Limavady 2  6 
February 28, 2009

Adam Ervine kicks downfield

A couple of early Bann scores suggested they would run away with this Junior League game. Out-half Adam Ervine won the race to a ball chipped into the Limavady in-goal area for the first try and soon afterwards David Little collected a neat inside pass from brother Geoff to touch down at the posts. With full-back Barry McKevitt converting both Bann looked set for a big score.

But Limavady battled back into the wind, converting one of two penalties on offer. Bann’s third try, from Andrew Cowan, again converted by McKevitt, gave the home side a comfortable lead which Limavady’s second successful penalty reduced to 21-6 at the break.

Limavady hit back strongly in the second half and it took some solid defensive work, most notably from Ervine and centre Jonny Little, to prevent the visitors from scoring. Bann’s cause was not helped by a high level of indiscipline in their ranks, which saw them incur a high penalty count and gave Limavady the chance to relieve any pressure built up and put the home side into defensive mode.

With Bann’s attacks breaking down in parallel with their discipline and Limavady unable to take advantage as their efforts foundered on a solid Bann defence, no further points were added to either team’s tally in the second half.

Bann winger David McGreevy looked dangerous when in possession and lock David Little’s hard work might have earned him a second try after a storming run. But overall it was a disappointing second half return after the controlled rugby of the first period.

Philip Jordan steals Limivady ball

Geoff Lyttle and Andy Cowan seek possession

Barry McKevitt congratulates Ervine for his try

Jonny Lyttle sidesteps his opponent

Nelson Shanks set for the scrum