On Saturday two of the local sides; Banbridge Rangers and Scarva Rangers locked horns for the first time ever in a Charity match at Cheney Park in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The game which was jointly organised by Darren Clarke (Scarva Rangers Football Club), Stephen Magill (Banbridge Rangers Football Club) and Adam Topping (Team Captain – The Head Bangin’ Billy Goats) is in conjunction with the Cancer Research Relay for Life taking place at Banbridge Rugby Club this coming Saturday (9th June 2007). Adam’s team will be taking part in this event.

Although it being a Charity game there was still a lot of pride at stake for both sides and at times the game did get a little more competitive than perhaps was required. Overall it was a good game considering the 6-8 week break that both teams have endured.

The game itself started at a high tempo with Scarva right at Banbridge from the off. Both teams settled well in the opening 30 minutes and nothing was giving at either end until a Mark Boyce strike put Scarva ahead which Banbridge ‘keeper Richard Johnston must feel he should have kept out. Richard McMinn went closest for the Banbridge men twice from distance and Coly Cousins had an effort well saved by Stephen Craig in the Scarva goal.

The second half saw Banbridge control the game more after Gary McCune had been sent off for Scarva right on half time. So it wasn’t long before Banbridge were back level after Stephen Ferris was on hand to head home a Richard McMinn free kick. Banbridge eventually took a 2-1 lead when Colin Gray played a fine ball into the channel from left back which Richard McMinn ran onto and delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post where Coly Cousins duly obliged to send the supporters wild on the Banbridge sideline.

Mark Bicker, Mark Boyce and Alex Hammond though were keeping the Scarva fight alive and it was Mark Bicker who almost had the game back level only to see his shot cannon agonisingly back off the post. Darren Clarke also had a few free kicks from distance but nothing availed and just when the contest seemed to be done Alex Hammond drew his side level with a well-executed finish. Needless to say this sent the Scarva sideline wild and so all in all the game finished square with bragging rights kept to a minimum on this occasion.

The match organisers would like to take the opportunity to once again thank all those who turned up and supported us on the day. Thanks also to Banbridge District Council for use of the Cheney Park playing fields, The Beautiful Game (www.the-beautiful-game.com) for sponsorship of the match balls, Philip Walker from the Mid Ulster League for giving up his Saturday afternoon to officiate the game, the Imperial Inn for food and refreshments after the game and as well not forgetting all the local businesses that made kind and generous donations.

In total the game fetched over £650 for Cancer Research UK and this now brings The Head Bangin’ Billy Goats team fundraising total to well over £2000. You can check out the progress of the teams fundraising online at www.donatetomyrelay.org/thbbg. If you haven't already made a donation you can do so online at this address.

Scarva Rangers Line Up

Banbridge Rangers Line Up

Mr Edwin Poots MLA and Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure will be presenting a cheque along with the match day organisers, to a representative from the Cancer Research Charity.

BANBRIDGE TO TAKE ON LOCAL RIVALS IN A CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH

 

Banbridge Rangers will take on local rivals Scarva Rangers in a mouth watering Charity Football Match to be played at Cheney Park in Banbridge on Saturday 2nd June 2007 (Kick Off - 2pm).

The match which has been jointly organised by Darren Clarke (Scarva Rangers Football Club), Stephen Magill (Banbridge Rangers Football Club) and Adam Topping (Team Captain of 'the HEAD BANGIN' billy goats') is aiming to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The match is in conjunction with the Cancer Research Relay for Life taking place in Banbridge at Banbridge Rugby Club on Saturday 9th June 2007. Adam's Team 'the HEAD BANGIN' billy goats' will be taking part in this relay. To find out more about the Banbridge Relay for Life click here

 

LAST YEARS MATCH SPONSORS

We would like to take this opportunity to Thank the following match sponsors.

The Beautiful Game
www.the-beautiful-game.com
Kind Sponsorship of the Match Balls

Banbridge District Council
www.banbridge.com
Kind Sponsorship of Cheney Park playing field KO 2pm

The Windsor Bakery, Banbridge
Imperial Inn, Banbridge
Bridge Bar, Banbridge
Scarva Rangers Football Club
Banbridge Leisure Centre
Shoefair Sports (Donaghys), Banbridge
Glen Dimplex Northern Ireland
Sumthin Gift Shop, Banbridge
Quaypoint Locksmiths, Newry