Banbridge Seconds run in five tries in stylish victory against Coleraine

Bann spent much of the first quarter of the game in opposition territory, picking up nine points from Coleraine infringements via the boot of out-half Robin Thompson.

Coleraine responded with a converted penalty from Michael Poskitt before strong runs from Ross Haughey and James Andrews put Bann in a good attacking position.

Thompson and Andrews linked well from the recycled ball to put full-back Chris Leathem in at the posts, with Thompson converting.

A neat grubber from Poskitt set up a try for Bill Afraze and the out-half added the points off the tee, with his penalty five minutes after the break reducing the deficit to 16-13.

Stephen Cowan powered his way into the visitors’ “22” and after Leathem had added his support, scrum-half Jason Gribbon wormed his way over the try line from the 5-metre scrum that ensued.

Thompson and Poskitt exchanged penalties before Haughey broke clear from a lineout on the Coleraine “22” to set up a ruck close to the line from which Paul Ross touched down.

After good work in the loose by lock David Little, winger Chris Watt took a feed from Leathem 30 metres out and jinked inside and then outside his opposite number before sprinting home for the fourth try.

Despite the loss of Ross and Leathem to the bin, Bann put together the game’s outstanding try in the dying minutes.

Watt picked up the ball after Coleraine had knocked on 5 metres out from the home line and initiated a 95 metre move, with the ball going through the hands of Little, Haughey and Thompson before Watt re-collected to put flanker Lee Allen in for the touchdown, with Thompson converted.

It was a fitting end to an excellent team performance by a Seconds side that will now approach Saturday’s Junior Cup home tie with Omagh in more confident mood.