Having won 23-0 in the Ulster Senior League match, they won the game which really counted in AIL Division Three by a 17-10 margin.

Banbridge coach, Andre Bester, had not been overly concerned at the previous defeat, but to lose the opener in a year he has stated their intentions were promotion, was not part of the plan.

Michael Glancy weighed in with 12 points in the victory which is another huge boost for the revamped Magherafelt club now under coach, Rhys Botha.

Elsewhere in Division Three, Queen's came from 11-7 down to win away in Naas 22-16.

Given their depleted ranks at this time of the season, Queen's will only get stronger as the weeks go in.

Portadown marked their return to the All Ireland League ranks with a 13-8 success over Old Wesley at Chambers Park.

It was coach Hika Reid's first ever win in the AIL after the side were relegated two years ago without a victory to their name and then gained promotion back to the senior ranks last May.

Ards battled well after a long trek to deep Co Cork, but went down 24-3 against Midleton.

n Belfast Harlequins, Ballynahinch and Malone all registered wins in Division Two, but newly promoted Instonians crashed to a heavy home defeat by the team they were promoted with last season.

Munster club visitors, Bruff took the honours 35-12 at Shaw's Bridge.

Harlequins, 'Hinch and Malone all had to come from behind at the intervals in their games before registered narrow wins.

Bective led 3-0 against Harlequins, but the Belfast side went on to take a 10-8 victory. Malone trailed Greystones 7-3, but also turned it around to win 16-10 while Ballynahinch trailed by a point against DLSP before securing the spoils. All the away sides did return home with losing bonus points.

n Ballymena, with several of their key players back in the fold, made heavy work at Eaton Park but deservedly went on to win their opening AIL One match, 21-10, against promoted side Young Munster.

They had led throughout the game, but during a shaky period in the second half the visitors did come within a point before exciting prospect and Ulster Academy player, Ian Whitten scored a vital try.