Bangor dismantle Derry to get up and running in style
CITY OF DERRY had an uncomfortable afternoon at Upritchard Park on Saturday as Bangor’s 1st and 2nd XVs racked up big bonus point victories, with 58-7 and 60-6 wins respectively.
Following the disappointment of an opening league defeat last weekend, Bangor’s 1st XV hosted the north-west club in the hope of being able to carry forward some of their late momentum from that earlier game.
Derry, on the other hand, had started their league campaign with a win and were hoping to stay at the top end of the table.
Once again it was a largely unchanged Bangor side that took to the pitch, with the notable addition of Craig Gilroy making a welcome return at out half.
Bangor kicked off with the benefit of a little breeze at their backs. However, this didn’t affect their obvious game plan as they looked to run the ball at every opportunity without the need to kick for territory.
Once again Bangor’s set pieces looked secure and it was from a lineout after seven minutes of play that the first score came. The lineouts in particular have seen a major improvement so far this season, and the ability to secure the ball cleanly combined with the pack’s power to drive forward provided Blair Morgan with the perfect platform from which to force his way over the line for Bangor’s opening try. Danny Young’s conversion attempt was wide of the posts, but the locals had started well and were 5-0 up.
Another seven minutes later, Bangor managed to upset a Derry lineout and this time opted to swing the ball quickly across the pitch for Conor Scollan to show his pace and score in the left hand corner. Another difficult conversion was unsuccessful, making the score now 10-0.
In contrast to Bangor’s early composure, Derry looked unable to get into their stride, but were given a chance to get on the scoreboard when Bangor conceded a penalty in front of their own posts. However, the kick was scuffed and the chance was gone.
To compound Derry’s despair, the next 10 minutes saw two tries coming from Bangor’s Young brothers. First it was Ryan who set off on a typically zig-zagging run, and then just kept going through the missed defensive tackles before scoring an excellent solo try in the left hand corner.
Shortly afterwards it was Danny’s turn to score after another strong run towards the same corner. With less than 30 minutes played, Bangor were 20-0 ahead with the bonus point secured, and looked to be cruising to a comfortable win.
However, a lapse in composure saw the penalty count against them start to rise and, when compounded by some weak tackling, this provided Derry with a rare opening which they took full advantage of and scored a converted try to close the gap by half time to 20-7.
Derry got the second half underway, but any thoughts they might have had to reduce Bangor’s lead were quickly dashed when Blair Morgan scooped up a loose ball as it squirted out of a ruck, and ran through a surprised Derry defence to touch down under the posts. The simple conversion was added by Young, bringing the score to 27-7.
With only a few minutes of the second half gone, this seemed to knock the wind out of the Derry players who were now hoping to limit the damage and keep the scoreline respectable.
But Bangor wanted to drive home their attacking advantage and added another try after some great running by the backs which was finished off by Mike Weir who was enjoying another return to his role at centre.
Derry’s woes continued a few minutes later when they fumbled a cross field kick from Gilroy, allowing Danny Young to gather the ball and make for the line. Although he was caught by the scrambling defence, he managed to get the ball to Jamie Thallon who forced through the final tackles to score in the right hand corner.
And it was Thallon again who was on hand another few minutes later when he scored his second try, this time close to the posts, giving Young a more straightforward conversion.
With the score now 44-7 in Bangor’s favour, the victory looked all but assured. There was still time for replacement scrum half, Felix Burrows, to produce a darting run and finish off an excellent solo try under the posts.
Derry’s nightmare continued as a wide pass when inside Bangor’s 22 was intercepted by Danny Young who outpaced the retreating Derry defence to score under the posts, which brought the score to 58-7 with 15 minutes left to play.
There could have been more points for Bangor, especially when Young looked certain to get another long range try shortly afterwards, but this time a combination of tired legs and a determined Derry defender saw Young brought down within sight of the goal line.
However, as the referee blew for full time, Bangor could still enjoy their resounding victory, and one that should provide a welcome boost for the matches ahead.
All credit to Bangor’s coaches and players alike for keeping faith in their game plans, as Saturday’s result shows what can be achieved when it all comes together.
The true test will be if they can keep this momentum going, especially when playing away from home, as they will be next weekend when facing newly promoted Randalstown.
