GLORY DAY FOR THE BANN BOYS
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The U14s set the ball rolling in their Kingspan game by defeating Cavan 24-10 in the final of the Ulster Cup.
Bann’s U18 side then made it a double; edging home 16-15 against Coleraine in the afternoon final of their Provincial Cup, also at the Kingspan Stadium.
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Hide AdSaturday was the first time two Bann sides contested, and won, two finals.
U14 coach Noel Irwin said: "What a great advert for youth rugby...I couldn’t be happier with the attitude and application of the squad."
U18 coach Coly Bickerstaff: "We knew that Coleraine would put it up to us and we’d have to be at or near our best to retain the cup...It wasn’t perfect but I think we deserved it in the end."
EXCITEMENT
Meanwhile, the club’s First XV recorded a bonus point win against league challengers Barnhall. It finished 27-28.
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Hide AdIn a game that almost matched the excitement of the 42-40 win over league leaders Nenagh in February, Bann again underlined their potential by coming away from second-placed Barnhall with all five league points to keep themselves within shouting distance of a promotion play-off place.
And to round off a successful day, Bann Thirds were cementing their position as runners-up in Provincial Premier Division 1 with a 34-0 win over Belfast Harlequins Seconds.
Also at the weekend, there was further success for Bann Women.
Following their cup semi-final win the previous week, they fielded a much-changed team for their penultimate league fixture, but still beat Ophir Women 29-10 away from home.
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Hide AdHead coach Charlie Farrell said: "We had a lot of players playing out of position, so started slowly.
"The rugby these girls play is a testament to their hard work during the week."
He added that extending the winning streak gave the side "great momentum heading into a final at the Kingspan…
"There’s going to be a lot of tough calls on the starting fifteen for the final now!"
Bann face Clogher Valley on Saturday week, April 6.
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