College boys run out of steam

Banbridge Academy 1st XV 41

LURGAN College welcomed near neighbours Banbridge Academy to Lough Road on Saturday and put in a spirited first half display before running out of steam in the second.

A much-improved rucking display by the pack, led by the returning Aaron Carson, set the standard for the College as they retained the ball for long periods allowing Josh McKay to dictate play with a series of impressive kicks ensuring the action was deep in the Banbridge 22. The College looked the much better side from set pieces with hooker Luke Thompson showing textbook accuracy at lineouts.

However, two pieces of individual magic at key moments opened up the College defence and the half-time scoreline of 12-0 certainly flattered the visitors.

The second-half was a much more one-sided affair as the Academy team's quality began to shine through. Indeed a try shortly after the restart effectively ended hopes of a comeback for the homeside.

The Academy's game plan of offloading in the tackle before utilising their pace on the wings continued to pay dividends as the College tired.

Two further tries in quick succession put the game beyond doubt but the College forwards showed tremendous heart as Dean Wilson and Andrew Campbell worked hard at the breakdown to disrupt the opposition.

In the final ten minutes the Academy scored another two tries to cap a fine second-half performance. Best on the day for the College were Josh McKay and Stephen Buckley. Next up is a home match against Strabane Grammar School.