Lisburn through in first round of the Junior Cup

Lisburn started determinedly and with their front row of Mark Gilkinson, Tom Fraser and Andrew Weir in uncompromising mood, soon put Randalstown under pressure.

Chris Knox knocked over a 25 metre penalty to open the scoring but despite all the possession Lisburn were getting, it was not until the 30th minute that the first try arrived.

After a number of pick and drives by the pack, Tom Fraser took the ball at the back of a ruck and drove over.

Knox added the conversion and Lisburn were 10-0 in front, a lead which they held until the break.

Five minutes into the second period another Knox penalty from 30 metres increased the lead but the Lisburn pack were wearing down the home team, despite the strong defensive efforts of the Randalstown backline.

A break by David Gilkinson saw the big centre in open space and he fought his way to the line through a number of tackles to score near the posts.

Knox again converted to open up a 0-20 scoreline which he increased again to 0-23 with another well struck penalty shortly afterwards.

The Lisburn pack were playing some of the best rugby of their season so far, especially in the set pieces and rucks and on the 25 minute mark were rewarded when Matt Edgar gathered a ball from a 15 metre line out, drove forward and then passed it to the supporting Thomas Thompson who wove his way through the Randalstown defence to the line for a fine score.

The Knox conversion made it 0-30 and Lisburn were home and dry to the next round of the Cup.

A consolation try came Randalstown’s way five minutes from time when their right winger ran in a try on an overlap.

Next Saturday Lisburn entertain Malone 2s in the Conference League while the 2s travel to Cavan. The 3rd XV, following their fine win by 24-20 over Newry 2s last Saturday have a Saturday off.