Bann Visit New Boys in League Opener!
Bann start their new league campaign this weekend as they travel to Stormont to face Premier League new boys Civil Service. Although only promoted the Belfast side will contain a few faces recognisable to the Bann support, former Instonians forwards Aaron Gill and Chris Barnes lead the line with ex-Annadale midfielder Peter Bland pulling the strings in centre midfield in an experience unit.
Bann will expect a tough test at the weekend as “Service” have had a solid start to the season with a win over Kilkeel and south Antrim, while narrowly losing 2:1 to Kirk Cup holders Cookstown at Coolnafranky.
The Locals visit to east Belfast will also mark the first Premier league game for Civil Service on their fantastic new water based pitch, installed over the summer months and only opened formally a fortnight ago.
Bann finished runners up in the league last year a point behind Champions Cookstown but with the experience of a title contention season behind Tumiltys young side, the locals will be aiming to go one better this term.
Bann will hope to get over the poor North Down performance and get back to their early season form. Josh Moffet was back in light training last week and should be fully fit in a couple of weeks. However Dane Ward and Hugh McShane both carrying a slight leg injuries should be fit to make this weekend’s squad giving Mark Tumilty some selection headaches.
Other Fixtures
Junior League One
Banbridge 2XI v Annadale 2XI
Havelock Park – (Friday night)
Hit Off 8:00pm, meet at 7:15pm
Instonians 2XI v Banbridge 3XI
Shawsbridge
Hit Off 1:00pm, meet at 11:30am
Junior League Two
Banbridge 4XI v Mossley 3XI
Havelock Park
Hit Off 1:00pm, meet at 12:15pm
Junior League Four
Instonians 4XI v Banbridge 5XI
Shawsbridge
Hit Off 4:00pm, meet at 2:30pm