VILJOEN KICKS THIRDS TO DERBY WIN
BANBRIDGE 3RDs 6 Dromore 2  0 
March 21, 2009

Bann Thirds had to battle hard for the two league points at stake in last Saturday’s derby game against Dromore’s Second XV.

With the visitors featuring former Bann players Kyle Patton and Jonny Clarke in their line-up, there was no shortage of intensity in the exchanges. But neither side could muster the flair needed to break down each other’s defence.

Full-back Steven Jackson made a welcome return to the Thirds after a prolonged break through injury and he showed that he had lost none of his enthusiasm for the fray, even when the opposition included his younger brother Philip.

Just as in the previous week’s game against Ballynahinch, it was the boot of Francois Viljoen which proved the key. His drop goal and conversion had ensured a share of the spoils at Ballymacarn Park and this time a drop goal and penalty either side of half-time sent Dromore home pointless.