First win of season for Seconds

After losing out the previous week to CIYMS, the Second XV put in a determined performance to notch a 7-6 victory over Ophir at Pollock Park.

Poor discipline at the breakdown cost Lurgan in the early exchanges and they were lucky that Ophir only managed to gain a 3-0 advantage.

Lurgan gained momentum as the half progressed with captain Graeme Cousins and his second in command David Harvey rallying the troops with some scything runs through the Ophir rearguard.

In the second half Lurgan grew in confidence with scrum half Andi Stevenson providing his backline with plenty of early ball and out half Gareth Strain placing some intelligent kicks deep into opposition territory to relieve the pressure when necessary.

The key moment came 15 minutes into the half when the ball was recycled quickly to the right wing from a ruck near the Ophir 22 and hooker Cheyenne Eskra adopted an unstoppable body position to slide over in the corner. Gareth Strain converted from a tight angle and the two points would prove to be vital.

With 10 minutes to go Ophir were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which they converted to leave the score 7-6.

Lurgan withstood the late push from Ophir with some great defensive tackles and excellent work in the loose to turn over ball. All 15 men played their part and deserve credit for bringing about this very satisfying win.

Lurgan Seconds have another home game this week, with Ballymoney Fourths the visitors to Pollock Park. Kick off is 2.30pm.