RUGBY: Andrews seals title for U19s

A last-gasp Philip Andrews penalty meant Larne Rugby Club’s Under-19s were officially crowned Ulster champions this week after a hard-fought final play-off victory over Lurgan. Their 20-18 win means they now progress to the All-Ireland Club finals.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Mar 2013, 23:01 BST
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Rugby update

Early pressure paid off when stand-out forward Ryan McAllister crashed over for the game’s opening try. Philip Andrews added the conversion and then a penalty and it looked like Larne would start to build a commanding lead.

Lurgan hit back to score a try under the posts before Joseph Johnston landed a converted score for Larne to give them a a 17-7 half-time lead.

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Lurgan lifted their game in the second session and the Larne pack seemed to take their foot off the gas.

Lurgan added a penalty to reduce the deficit before crashing over for their second try of the game leaving it delicately poised at 17-15.

Indiscipline kept the East Antrim side on the back foot and a penalty, combined with a yellow card for Larne with four minutes remaining, looked to have sealed it for Lurgan.

Larne hit back and were awarded a penalty with one minute to go. It was a difficult chance, but Philip Andrews held his nerve to slot over what turned out to be the winning kick of a 20-18 victory.

Larne lock horns with Lurgan again on today (Saturday, March 2) in the Cup at Glynn.

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