One down four to go

Banbridge have kicked-off their 2014/15 season with victory in the Anderson Cup. Now theyre targetting the Ulster League, Kirk Cup, All Ireland League and Irish Cup as the new campaigm comes round. Pics: Rowland White / Presseye.

Perhaps, then, it’s advantage Banbridge ahead of the much anticipated Ulster League opener in Hillsborough on Saturday 13 September.

Either way, Head Coach Mark Tumilty was delighted to start the season with victory and pick up the winning habit early on, especially over the old enemy.

“That’s one trophy down, four to go,” he said.

Banbridge Captain, Stephen Dowds with the Anderson Cup. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye

“I’m not going to say the Anderson Cup was a priority this season or anything like that but it gives us a bit of confidence going forward.

“Garvey had a few players missing. Errol (Lutton - Garvey coach) had a young team out but we had players missing as well. It’s a different game at nine a side but there’s still that rivalry there and it’s always nice to get a win over them.”

Bann now take on Monkstown in a friendly on Sunday before kicking off their Kirk Cup campaign in Kilkeel on Monday evening. Tumilty is hoping to at least reach the Boxing Day final, having been denied by eventual winners Annadale in last year’s semi-final.

“I want to win the Kirk Cup,” said Tumilty. “It’s a good final to get to and we shouldn’t have been beaten last year.

“Kilkeel is a difficult place to go and we need to perform. We have to make sure there are no slip-ups because we’re in a tough group.

“That comes down to our own preparations.”