On-song under-15s storm into Bowl final

Having only been defeated in one match all year the 15s travelled hoping that a good performance would take them to the final.

The Lurgan scrum half was immediately put under pressure by Kerr and his poor pass was kicked through with the a frantic effort seeing Lurgan clear their lines.

However some excellent back play saw the 15s win a penalty in the Lurgan twenty-two. A strong drive from Getty saw open side Jennings scoop up the ball and cross for the first try of the game.

Lurgan’s intentions were clear and a series of long high kicks saw man of the match Bell tested to the full. However Matthew was in excellent form and returned the kicks with interest.

With Lurgan struggling to make any ground the Ballymena pack now came into the game. Fullerton made a superb tackle in the middle of the pitch. The loose ball was lifted by Scott who released Rock. His pass saw the ball moved to the impressive Crooks who side stepped several defenders before touching down under the posts. McNeill converted and the boys were on their way.

A strong surge from McLeister saw McNeill deliver a superb pass to Millar his quick hands saw the ball moved to wing Stewart who was delighted to cross in the corner for another try.

The second half saw a gutsy Lurgan side hit back with a breakaway try from their own line. However this seemed to spur the Ballymena boys on and they immediately hit back.

Following a rampaging run from second row Thompson the boys were deep in Lurgan territory. McKillen and Jennings combined to release Crooks who crossed for the second of his five tries. More pressure was to follow and from a scrum in Lurgan’s twenty-two Fullerton lifted from the base and drove over for a further try.

The game was now well out of sight for the hosts and substitute Jonny Crooks then released his brother Simon. He ran 30 metres before putting in a clever grubber kick which he retrieved to score under the posts.

A further two tries cemented a fantastic 36-7 victory from the 15s who now eagerly look forward to the Plate final against rivals Randalstown.