On a sunny morning at Orangefield Playing Fields Malone U18 entertained Banbridge U18.

Report and images – Bob Given Photography

Banbridge kicked off and went on to the attack but Malone countered from deep to leave Sam Green with a free run up the wing before he dotted down for the first try, after 4 minutes, converted by Conor Henry.

A period of Banbridge pressure yielded a try by Will Cromie on 10 minutes, converted by Jack Gardiner.

Both defences cancelled each other out until an Aaron McShane try, after 25 minutes, was converted by Henry.

Malone lead 14 – 7 at half time.

After the break Malone dominated set and loose play and the pressure told after 15 minutes, when Lawson Porter scored an unconverted try, after a series of drives.

Five minutes later Patrick Lyons scored beside the posts and Conor Henry added the points.

When a Banbridge attack broke up at halfway, Stewart McKendrick picked up the ball and ran unopposed to score under the posts, after 28 minutes. Henry converted.

The Malone pressure was relentless and Banbridge conceded another try, close in, when Patrick Phelan scored. Henry’s conversion completed the scoring.

Malone were well worth their 40 – 7 victory, over a Banbridge side, which never threw the towel in.

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