Emphatic win for under-19s

Due to the lack of games in recent weeks Lurgan struggled to assert themselves in the initial exchanges and were put on the defensive by a determined Ballyclare pack. Lurgan’s defensive line, however, held firm and as the game progressed Lurgan started to find their feet.

Debutant Adam Sterling showed plenty of pace to open the scoring after Pete Burke made the initial break. Ben McIlwaine confidently added the conversion before adding a penalty shortly afterwards to take Lurgan 10 points clear. The first half was a very disjointed affair, as Lurgan struggled to control possession due to numerous unforced errors, accumulating in a Ballyclare converted score. Despite this, Lurgan added three more tries before half time through Dylan Gill, Josh Greer and the ever improving Neil Adamson. With McIlwaine adding two conversions Lurgan lead 29-7 at the break.

The second half proved to be a different affair as Lurgan began to dominate the contact areas, playing with a ferocity and intensity which was lacking in the first half. They threatened the Ballyclare defensive line at every opportunity, adding a further seven tries before the final whistle. Immediately from the re-start Andrew White scored before Josh Greer added his second of the afternoon with a typically explosive effort. Dylan Gill secured his hat-trick by scoring two fine individual tries, before Danni Cairns scored two excellent solo efforts in quick succession. The route was completed by Josh Greer who capped a fine performance by securing his third score of the game. With Ben McIlwaine adding four conversions the final score was 72-12.