TIGERS PROVE HARD TO BEAT

The young rugby side have been on an unbeaten run since losing their first league match of the season in October 2010.

It’s been a case of ‘Lucky 13’ for the 13-year-olds having shown remarkable tenacity to recover from an early season defeat and embark on a 13-month unbeaten run.

During their winning streak the Under 13s lifted the Ulster Youth Cup with a memorable 47 – 17 win over Monaghan at Ravenhill in April.

So far this season they’ve won four league games out of four scoring 261 points without reply from their opponents.

Lurgan Under 13 1st XV play in Section 1 of the Ulster Youth League and have set themselves the goal of remaining undefeated for the season.

Coach Paul Wilson said: “Our target is to remain undefeated during the league programme and to try and retain the youth cup.

“We’ve lost some of last year’s big players who have moved up to under 15 level, but we’ve ended up this season with a very well rounded side with a strong team ethic.”

Paul said there had been an influx of new players this season including a number of young players from local gaelic clubs.

He continued: “We have 32 boys registered so we’re in the unique position where we’re able to put out two teams. We’re the only club in the country fielding two teams at this level.”

The U13 2nd XV play in Section 3 of the Ulster Youth League and have recorded some notable victories including wins over Ballyclare and Randalstown in recent weeks.

Paul saw the success of the Under 13s as a ringing endorsement for the Lurgan Tigers set up.

He commented: “It’s a system that works.

“Most of the squad have been with Lurgan since they started mini rugby at the age of six. It’s no accident they’re a good side as they’ve been with us for so long.

“As the Tigers brand has grown other boys have joined and all of this has contributed to the size of the squad and the quality of the players we have across both teams.”

The Tigers Under 13 1st XV hope to continue their unbeaten run when they take on the U13 side from All Ireland League Club Ballynahinch this Saturday, while the 2nd XV travel play Rainey Old Boys.