Firsts romp to easy win

Despite unfavourable conditions, cold winds and frozen fingers the players stepped up to the challenge.

Both teams started off well in the first half. In fact, Strabane dominated the first ten minutes of the game making early breaks and holding onto the ball.

However, they just could not reach the try line as Lurgan were well positioned in the defensive line. It took a while for Lurgan to wake up and get their heads into the game, but once they did, the tries came their way.

Strabane were physical and they had a few good ball carriers, but they kept on missing tackles letting Lurgan players run all over them. Lurgan were aggressive, especially in the rucks and defensively they were faultless.

Tries came from Stephen Nolan, Mike Campbell, Ben McIlwaine, Dean Wilson and Dillon Gill.

There were some spectacular tries, none more so than captain Stephen Nolan who scored a try with an overhead kick, catching the ball in mid-flight, and then strolling over the line.

Mike Campbell scored another superb try running from the half line .

This win will surely boosted the team’s confidence, which they will need in the next game against Newry on Saturday kick-off 2.30pm.

Lurgan Seconds lost to Armagh 33-14 on Saturday.

A lot of unforced errors and minor mistakes cost Lurgan too many points. Armagh took the advantage to score early tries to keep ahead of Lurgan.

The first half determined the outcome, as the Seconds conceded the first try after only two minutes due to poor defending and missed tackles.

Lack of cohesion and fortitude resulted in Lurgan trailing 26-0 at half time.

The second half was better in terms of attitude and spirit. It took some motivating at half time by the coach Jason Wallace for Lurgan to wake up and they made a recovery with two tries scored by Graham Currie, both converted.

If not for poor handling and control of possession, Lurgan would have scored further tries. But, it was a little too late to catch up.

The recovery was led by captain Jason Kane who had several barnstorming runs, and Richard Shilliday who carried strongly throughout the game.

Lurgan will hopefully learn from this and improve on their performance. They will have to work hard this week as they face Newry at Pollock Park. Kick-off at 2.30pm.