RUGBY: Bann top of the tree this Christmas

However, Head Coach Daniel Soper has reminded his side that they don’t get any extra presents for half a season of good work.

“It’s nice to be at the top of the table at Christmas but they don’t hands out any trophies for it,” he said.

Banbridge currently sit three points clear of second placed Malone at the summit of Division 2A. They have won seven of their opening ten league games, claiming an astounding nine bonus points along the way.

“We’re two points ahead of where we wanted to be,” said Soper.

“The bonus points have been a huge bonus and they are proving the difference between us and the likes of Malone at the minute.

“There were a couple of games we slipped up in that we should have won but the last few weeks have been very encourgaing, both in terms of the victories and the amount of points we scored.

“We’re delighted with the manner of our play and how strong our defence has been.

“The lads can enjoy their Christmas break now with a certain amount of satisfaction. They can sit back and think about a job well done.

“Last week was good craic in training, now we have a week off and then it will be a case of drawing a line in the sand and getting on with our targets.

Despite six of the division’s clubs having played less games than Bann, the locals have conceded the least points - just 145 in their 10 games.