Harlequins 5ths 3-1 Bangor 6ths

AWAY DEFEAT FOR 6THS

The 6^ths travelled to Pirrie Park to take on Harlequins 5ths on the gravel.  The game was eagerly contested from the whistle, with Harlequins having several chances which they failed to convert.  Mostly because Bangor full backs Duncan Morris and Dale Kirkpatrick marked their wingers out of the game.  The 6ths front men, Chris Eccles, Mark Campbell and Warren Reid also had chances to put Bangor in front, but unfortunately could not put any away, so it was 0-0 at halftime.

Both teams went in at halftime know that the match was there to be won, and that the 1^st time to score would more than likely go on to win the match.  This was the case when Harlequins broke through the Bangor defence, which had been solid until then, and dispatched a shot that flew past Mark Russell in the Bangor goal.  1-0 Harlequins and it was now time to see how the young Bangor team would respond.  With the midfield marshalled by Phil Campbell, they started to push up, and won several short corners in a row.  Rory McMillan went close but after about 6 short corners in a row, Bangor could still not find a way past the Harlequins defence.  While Bangor continued to push forward, Harlequins collected the ball and started a counter attack, but this was broken up by Chris Coughlin who was having a great game.

Then the 6ths got what they wanted.  The ball was played across the top of the circle and then hit in to Mark Campbell who finished the move of with a crisp shot that gave the Harlequins keeper no chance.  Bangor were right back in this and pushed for a winner, which ultimately was their downfall, as Harlequins gathered the ball and hit it straight to their forward who got away from Chris Coughlin and he finished it of to give Harlequins the lead with 5 minutes to go.  Then another Harlequins attack led to them going 3-1 in front.  The result flattered Harlequins and Bangor will feel they deserved a draw.  Man of the Match was Phil Campbell whose experience in midfield was vital.