Thirds outscored under the lights

Lisburn Seconds 34

LISBURN Seconds repeated their early season home win over Bann Thirds, outscoring the locals on a 5-2 try count to deservedly claim the league points in last Friday’s floodlit game at Rifle Park.

It was clear from the early stages that the slick Lisburn three-quarters posed a significant threat as they conjured up a try within the opening 10 minutes.

But Bann hit back with their heavier pack repeatedly driving deep into the Lisburn half and winning two penalty chances which Philip Morrison put away, edging his side in front 6-5.

Given the obvious danger posed by the Lisburn backline, especially on the counter, Bann’s practice of kicking ball away was less than judicious. And they paid the price midway through the first half as the visitors scorched in for a second try, this time adding the conversion.

A neat drop goal extended the gap between the sides but Bann enjoyed a period of dominance towards the end of the half and with No 8 Alan Conn showing the way with several surging runs they created their first touchdown.

Centres Jurgen Schoeman and Andrew Jordan combined well to send Morrison streaking down the right flank for the try.

The right winger failed to add the conversion but three minutes into the second period he brought his side within a point with a third penalty. Bann would have taken the lead but the referee was unsighted when Gareth Jelly drove over the try line.

Despite both sides taking every opportunity to run the ball no further scores were added until 12 minutes from the end of the game.

Then they came in a flurry with Lisburn grabbing two in seven minutes. With the conversions both sailing over Bann were left needing three scores, an impossible task in the time remaining. Andy Brown did force his way over from short range after the Bann pack drove the Lisburn eight back over their line.

But Lisburn had the last word, again capitalising on a poorly directed kick to create an overlap for the concluding score of the game.