Threes progress to semi-final in cup thriller

Missing some key players through injury, the Toon side that took to the field on Saturday provided the onlookers at Kilraughts Road with some nail biting moments and in general classic cup rugby. The Toon kicked off the game in fine conditions, determined to make a good start to the game, an area of weakness in previous weeks. Ballymoney set out their intentions early in the game, hitting the rucks hard and using the big men to batter holes in the visitors' defence. Davy 'the voice' Johnson was in particular good form early on, carrying the ball through the first line of defence and setting up the perfect platform for his team mates out wide. The first 10 minutes were all the Toon and they should really have been ahead, however a couple of kickable penalties were just pushed wide of the uprights. The mighty threes had made the perfect start. But not to be out done, Banbridge very quickly showed their own intentions in the next passages of play, using their pacy back three to get in behind the Toon's defence. This they did on several occasions, however poor handling and ultimately some cracking defence by Markey, McIlvenna, Davidson and Armstrong kept the visitors out. The mighty 3s had to raise their game. Unfortunately however, silly penalties were being given away too easily. Especially by the mysterious number 21 who was appearing offside on numerous occasions. This was allowing the Banbridge side to get a foot hold in the Toon half, and it did not take them long to exploit this grasp on territory. Using their wide men and the full width of the pitch to their advantage, they scored a fine try in the corner. The conversion was missed, 5-0 to the visitors. Ballymoney were annoyed with this soft score and were determined to put matters right. At the kick off, they pounded the Banbridge defensive line. The Ballymoney front three were in their element at scrum time, overpowering their opposite numbers. A pity the referee did not sympathise with the finer merits of front row play! Skelton junior at out half was starting to find his range, pinning Banbridge into their half, pushing the team closer and closer to the try line. A Ballymoney try was on the cards. From a five metre scrum, the toon took quick ball against the head, Lyons sprinted for the line and was cut down just short. Two or three phases later, after the defence had been sucked into the middle of the park, wide ball was called for and that magician Armstrong fed McIlvenna out wide who found that extra yard of pace he has been missing all season to sneak in at the corner. A fine team try, finished ably by that 'Bacardi breezer' McIlvenna. Armstrong added a superb conversion from out wide. 7-5 to the Toon As the half progressed Ballymoney had their chances through penalties to secure a much greater advantage at half time, however kicks at goal were narrowly missed on both occasions. Some great defence by the Pollock sistas towards the end of the half also kept the visitors score to one try. Thomas, using his mighty 'chops' to batter down a 22 clearance and Richard using his spindly legs to 'pod' his way out of trouble in his own 22! What a selection by captain Johnson, he deserves a medal! Half time score. 7-5 to the Toon. Thankfully the comical end to the first half did not continue in the second. Wise words of advice at the break from an 'old timer' encouraged the Toon to score first in the second period of play. And that's exactly what the mighty threes had in mind, as they received the kick off. A fine catch from McCandless, always a safe set of hands at the restart, set out the Toon's intentions clearly from the off. And the Toon set about finding that first score of the half. Driving runs from yankstar Prahm and particularly Kirkpatrick at no 8 were opening up holes in the visitors' defence. Skelton junior, showing a cool head on such young shoulders, pinned the Banbridge side into their half, as he punted diagonal ball in behind the rushing defence. The resultant lineouts were a lottery for the Bridge outfit, with Chris taking some fine ball against the throw, allowing the Toon build even more pressure. The pressure that had been built eventually told on the visitors' defence, and they caved in allowing Kirkpatrick to drive over for a fine score. The conversion was again successful. 14-5 to the Toon. Ballymoney seemed to take their foot off the pedal after this period of play and this allowed Banbridge to get a foot hold in the game again. The Toon found themselves frantically defending their line over the next 10 mins. As in the first half, the toon defence got sucked into the middle of the park, and despite frantic attempts the visitors crossed over the whitewash for a second time. On this occasion however, a fine conversion was added. 14-12 to the Toon! Captain Johnson was not amused, and again vented his fury to all! However, it was to no avail, as the Toon were content to soak up the pressure, and from the restart, the initiative was again handed back too easily to a Banbridge outfit whose tails were most definitely up. The pressure was to tell, and the penalty was given away in front of the posts. The kick was successful, 15-14 to the visitors. This tie was now living up to its billing. Ballymoney, encouraged by the growing crowd on the sideline, sprinted after the ball at the restart in search of that elusive score. A panicky clearance kick allowed the toon to build the pressure in the Banbridge 22. Drive after drive, ruck after ruck pounded the visitors' line. That score was coming! However, the manner in which it did surprised even the most seasoned of campaigners. 'Cool as you like' Skelton, sat back in the pocket and slotted over a majestic drop goal from the 10 metre line. As the crowd roared, Thomas punched the air, ala O'Gara style, as he jogged his way back for the restart. Thomas senior was seen dancing on his one good leg on the sideline! The Toon were once again in the lead. 17-15!. Over the next eight minutes until the end of the game there were some scary moments in the home defence. However, the Toon held out and were even awarded a late penalty to confirm the result. The referee blew his final whistle, ending a truly engaging game for all. Final score. Ballymoney 20 V Banbridge 15. The Toon are through to the semi final. Credit must go to Banbridge who showed real character on the day and who were particularly gracious in defeat. We wish them well in the remainder of their season. Captain Johnson was in fine form after the game. He said: "What a win! "Well done to all the lads out there today, and also to those who were not on the pitch, who are overcoming injuries. "Special mention to Neil Campbell who broke his leg horribly in last weeks game, it was great to see him out there today and we wish him well in what we hope will be a speedy recovery! "We certainly don't do things the easy way, however it was an entertaining game for all involved. "We look forward to meeting Monaghan in the semis on the 27th. A shame it is an away fixture, however we will give it out best shot. "We all want to play at Ravenhill, and that dream is only one game away now!"