29 September 2018
Banbridge Academy rugby has not been strong in recent years, so this 55-7 win for ERGS 2ndXV has to be viewed in context. Having said that, Enniskillen, the visitors to a sunny hilltop overlooking the flax and linen town of Banbridge, wanted to play good rugby, not rack up a cricket score. As it turned out, they managed to do both.
Despite the score line, Banbridge were far from a walkover. Their forwards gained and retained a good percentage of possession but neither forwards or backs could breach an ERGS defence that is slowly improving as the season progresses. That did not stop them competing and their last-minute converted try was testament to a consistent and determined effort.
ERGS were well organised in defence, quick and slick in attack and, (apart from ignoring a few overlaps), played controlled, attractive rugby in multiple phases that regularly resulted in a score. EGRS coaches run a revolving squad in this early part of the season so, leaving aside some of the players who might normally expect to find themselves playing for the 1stXV, it is difficult to lionize any particular players in such a sound and successful team performance. However, it would be true to say that Angus Fraser and Ben Donaldson in the backs and Ally Jones, Michael Rooney and Matthew Wilson in the forwards had their best games of the season.
Try scorers:- John Fitzpatrick (2), Michael Rooney (2), Ben Donaldson (2), Angus Fraser (2), Taine Haire.
Conversions:- Angus Fraser (2), George Foster, Ally Jones, Ben Donaldson.
