A tough morning at Castle lane for the ERGS U13 side. A larger and well drilled Banbridge side had clearly made the trip down with the intention of continuing their successful winning streak. From the Kick-off Banbridge attacked the ERGS defensive line finding little give until a quick pass and missed tackle allowed the ‘blue booted’ Banbridge centre his chance to use his size and pace to put the first points of the match on the score board. Following this week’s training sessions the ERGS side fought back, out scrummaging and mauling the Banbridge forwards and on a number of occasions, breaking the defensive line to gain good ground. However, the Banbridge ruck was quick and effective and despite some great tackling from ERGS, the Banbridge No.8 and No.12 proved too strong, scoring two additional tries before half time.
As the second half commenced, the ERGS side took the game to Banbridge, some great support play and impressive spreading of the ball to the wings, allowed them to cause the visiting defence to scramble, in order to cover a number of threatening runs by the ERGS back line. However, the try line proved hard to find and a quick turnover resulted in the infamous ‘blue booted’ centre to set-up the 4th try of the game for the visitors. The ERGS side where not going to give up anytime soon and from the re-start attacked Banbridge finally creating an opportunity for an impressive Paul McConkey side-step from the back of the scrum to score 5 points. As the second half progressed, fatigue and injuries began to set in to the ERGS side as every player had to step-up to make their tackles. In the dying minutes Banbridge managed to score two more opportunistic tries to leave leave the final score at 5-36.
