A POOR first half display which saw them concede 18 points without reply left Bann Seconds with a task which ultimately proved just beyond them in this Junior Cup game.

With both Bann and visitors Coleraine fielding understrength sides in this opening fixture of the season, the early play was understandably error-strewn.

As the teams took time to settle and assimilate the law changes, the visitors edged the early exchanges and two penalties allowed them to open up a six point gap after 27 minutes play.

But it was the two tries scored in the closing four minutes of the half which proved Bann’s undoing. When Bann were caught in possession just outside their “22” the Coleraine support was up quickly to retrieve the ball, allowing their flanker to race clear under the posts.

Then the visitors broke out of their own half to take advantage of a mis-shapen defence and score out wide, despite the best covering efforts of Bann captain Andy Kennedy.

Albert Finney kicked a penalty four minutes into the second half and nine minutes after the interval Bann gave their hopes of a comeback a further boost. Centre Gareth Martin rounded his opposite number and then dummied to pass to supporting winger Stuart Jordan before touching down at the end of a 35 metre run.

Paul Tamati, an early second-half replacement for Stuart Wickie, intercepted a Coleraine pass in the 63rd minute, making 30 metres before being hauled down by three chasing defenders just short of the line. Quickly regaining his feet, his strength and determination saw him make the touchdown despite the presence of a clutch of opposition players. Finney effected the conversion to take his team’s tally within three points.

But when poor midfield defence allowed Coleraine to score a third try three minutes later it looked as if they would hold out for the win.

Still Bann fought back, with Martin again doing the damage. After Tamati had been stopped short of the line, the ball was moved wide and his centre partner crashed through the defence from 10 metres out.

Again Finney was on target, leaving a single point between the teams with seven minutes remaining. But the Coleraine line did not come under serious threat for the remainder of the game, leaving Bann to rue that sloppy first half defensive work.

Still this was an encouraging display against the Qualifying One side. And with several players becoming available before the team’s next outing on Saturday fortnight, the potential is there for a strong Second XV.

Apart from try-scorers Martin and Tamati, No 8 Kennedy and flanker Philip Jordan showed up well and prop James McCrum gave a gutsy display on the unfamiliar tight side of the front row.