Banbridge failed to consolidate their position at the top of AIL 1B, going down to Dublin visitors Old Wesley 8 – 15 at Rifle park on Saturday afternoon. The result sees Banbridge slip to third with Malone RFC taking over top spot.

Both teams came out of the blocks hard at the start of this game. Banbridge enjoyed  territory and possession throughout the first quarter but they were unable to turn this into points.

The visitors were more accurate in attack and a clever grubber under the posts was touched down by Lachlan Anderson and converted by Tom Kiersey before Kiersey crossed for their second in quick succession.

Banbridge responded through Conor Field who used great footwork to beat the Wesley defence. His try remained unconverted and the teams turned round with Ban trailing 5 – 12.

There was plenty of endeavour from both sides in the second half but defences dominated as the teams swapped penalties. Bann ran out of ideas and the game ended as a 8 – 15 win for Wesley.

BANBRIDGE: Adam Doherty; Conor Field, Andrew Morrison, Benjamin Carson, Hugo Harbinson; Jonny Little (c), Aaron Kennedy; Corrie Barrett, Peter Cromie, Stuart Cromie, Matthew Laird, Alex Thompson, Michael Bentley, Ethan Harbinson, Stevie Irvine. Replacements: Andrew Jackson, Ross Haughey, Ryan Hughes, Niall Armstrong, John Porter.

OLD WESLEY: Lachlan Anderson; Tommy O’Callaghan, Bill Corrigan, David Poff, Paul Harte (capt); Tom Kiersey, Charlie O’Regan; Martin Gately, Andrew McCrann, James Burton, JJ O’Dea, Iain McGann, Paul Derham, Josh Pim, Mark Rowley. Replacements: Ben Burns, Padraig Cullen, Darren Horan, Josh Miller, Cillian Monahan.

Report and pictures – Vicky Irwin. 

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