Losing start for First and Seconds

The Firsts travelled to Newry for the first game in the league campaign and were involved a very tight game which saw the home side take victory by a solitary point - 18-17.

Lurgan’s points came from a try from Richie Shilliday and another from Richard Dawson. Both tries were converted by Stephen Nolan who also added a penalty.

The Seconds went on the road to Ballymena, and though a makeshift team, with many players playing out of position, battled hard, they couldn’t stop the home side’s Fourth XV from notching up a very comfortable victory - 63-7.

Lurgan’s points came from a late try and conversion by Andi Stevenson.

The Firsts next game is on Saturday at home against Larne in the Gordon West Cup.

The Seconds return to action on September 28 with a trip to Banbridge Fourths.

The U13’s squad produced a notable performance of running rugby to run out 37-12 winners at Ballynahinch in their first game of the season.

Captain Tom Lavery lead his side with a virtuoso performance scoring four tries coupled with a superb all round performance particularly in the loose. The other try scorers were the Davidson brothers, Ben and Zak (debut), along with a conversion a piece for out halves Andrew Fisher and Phillip Hayes and a superbly struck penalty goal also from Andrew Fisher.

Tremendous credit goes to the 13 players making their full debuts at this level and the entire squad deserves praise for ensuring the basics were completed well. Particular note should be made of the squad’s handling skills and their play in the loose. This performance augurs well for the next phase of the season and is indicative of the Squad’s continuing hard work in training.

Thanks should also go to the large number of parents and supporters who also made the journey to Ballynahinch and gave great vocal support and encouragement to the squad.

Squad: Peter Hutchinson, Luke Gregson, Rodney Craig, Zac Davidson, Joss Richardson, Josh Best, Alex Dixon, Ben Davidson, Phillip Hayes, Andrew Fisher, Ryan Allen, Joshua Abraham , Daniel Hannon, Jack Turkington, Conor Foster, Tom Lavery (Captain), Alex Burns, Jon Woods, Ryan Armstrong, Jack Dunn, Ryan Holmes, Patrick Lappin, Matthew Skillen, Luke Currie and Luke Forsythe.

Players note training is each Tuesday and Thursdays at Pollock Park from 7.30pm each night.

Thanks to the many volunteers who turned up for the first mini-rugby sessions on Saturday.