Lost by point

In his first game back for the first XV after a year at Dromore out half Stephen Nolan kept his side in the match at half-time with three penalties in reply to two tries for the home side.

Nolan gave Lurgan the lead midway through the second half with another penalty only for Holywood to regain the lead with a penalty of their own soon after.

Going into the closing stages of the match Lurgan kept pressing the home defence with only 13 players on the pitch as scrum half Chris Jenks had to leave the pitch with a head injury and Stephen Nolan found himself harshly sin binned by the referee.

The visitors received a penalty in front of the posts and with their two kickers off the pitch it was up to full back Richard Clarke to put his side in front. Unfortunately he was unable to convert and Holywood held on for a one-point victory.

Lurgan now know this Saturday’s second round group game is a must win as they travel to Newforge to play PSNI.