1968 was the last time
that Banbridge played their trade in
the dizzy heights of Division 2. Going
on this season's form, the thirty six
year long wait may be coming to an end.
Despite a Jekyll and Hyde season in
2003, the Clann narrowly lost out on
promotion as well as losing the Junior
Championship showpeice to Glenn on the
way. Although no silverware headed across
the River Bann, this was definite progress.
The revival in fortunes of the west
Down men comes down to many factors,
one being Adrian 'Rusty' McAulfield.
The no nonsense straight talking supremo
has instilled a new sense of urgency
and graft into his charges. His own
physical style of play has rubbed off
on all around him and the result: A
Banbridge team knockng on the door of
Division 2.
On the other hand you have Dundrum,
a team in transition. At Cottage Park
the Duns fielded a team with youth at
it's core. Only two players have breached
the thirty year old milestone. It was
ironic that sixteen year old Martin
Melville was Dundrum's most accomplished
player on the night. Yet with youth
comes inexpierience and despite holding
a three point lead at half time, Dundrum
collapsed in the 2nd half.
The first half performance of Dundrum
was nothing to write home about but
it outshone the efforts of the Clann.
The free taking precision of Walsh and
McMullan carried the Duns through. Walsh
converted three and sent over a sweet
one from open play. McMullan weighed
in with an expertly hit sideline ball
and a well taken individual effort.
Banbridge seemed to hold back in the
opening stages. Three early scores being
all they could muster. They seemed to
get caught up in the middle sector with
their short passing game. However, their
reluctance to attack in this period
ensured that they would have the boundless
energy reserves to revel in the second
half.
Ten seconds in and the game was back
to stalemate. Banbridge scored a goal
with one of the most audacious efforts
ever to be seen. Straight from the throw
in McCusker took possession, offloaded
it to the No.11 and wham bam thank you
mam the ball glided straight over Colm
King and in to the net.
Although still a draw the game effectively
ended here. Nine successive scores all
from play sent the Bann into a superb
position. John Paul Gartland was in
fine form at centre half back, McCusker
was sweeping up at midfield and in the
attack Gillen, Hill and Donaghy were
running riot.
Dundrum did manage a burst in the last
five minutes, Venney, McComiskey and
Walsh all adding to the scoresheet.
Six points separated the sides at the
end. This also made it two wins out
of two for the Clann against their east
Down opposition this year. In a fortnight's
time they will both lock horns again
in the Intermediate Championship.
Will Dundrum get their
payback then?
Dundrum: C.King, N.McComiskey, C.McKibbin,
J.Hurley, M.Melville, M.Murray, C.Carey,
A.Doyle, K.Walsh (0-05), J.McKibben,
M.Carey, J.McMullan (0-02), C.Venney
(0-01), C.Kielty, C.McShane. Subs: P.McComiskey
(0-01), M.Fitzsimons.
