Disappointment in opener as Bann Under 18’s let victory slip

Randalstown U-18s 19

Bann started their Ulster U-18 league campaign against Randalstown and the visitors started the brighter of the two teams with backs and forwards linking to take the play into Bann’s half but the home defence was strong and stopped any real threat to their line.

As the half progressed the Bann forwards started to control the game and good line-breaks by both Robin Sinton and Adam Ferris took play into the opposing ‘22’.

A quick ruck from Bann found the backs able to spread the ball to winger Curtis Jackson who out-powered his opposite number and was only tackled by a covering Randalstown defender. However, Josh Cromie was on hand to pick up and score wide out. Cameron Cromie was successful with the conversion.

Late on in the first half Randalstown thought they had opened their account with a try only for it to ruled out for a forward pass.

In the second half the Bann forwards continued to win more than their fair share of the ball and with this possession provided good quality ball for both Alex Megaw and Cameron Cromie to break the gain line and set up good field position. Bann moved the ball right and found prop Matty Blain who powered down the touchline and was able to feed Matty McClelland with an inside for the lock to score Bann’s second try.

Bann were well on-top at this stage and could have taken better chances off line-outs close to the Randalstown but failed to do so.

A mis-directed Bann pass allowed the visitors’ impressive left winger to pick-up and run 80 metres and score under the posts. The conversion was successful.

Soon after, following a grubber kick through that Bann were unable to secure, the same player picked up his second try.

The Randalstown out-half added a third try to put the game beyond Bann and a match which they should have won had slipped away from them.