Match Report – Lurgan 2nd XV vs Randalstown 2nd XV, Saturday 15th September 2012
Lurgan 2nd XV kicked off their season on Saturday with a fine 29-13 away victory against Randalstown Seconds.
Having had a good turn-out of players throughout pre-season training, and having worked on a new playing style instilled by coach Paul Heasley, Lurgan immediately looked to impose themselves on the opposition.
Following several quick phases of play from the kick-off, Lurgan managed to stretch the Randalstown defence and create an overlap on the left wing. With a near-certain score on the cards, the final pass was sadly knocked on and Randalstown managed to clear their lines.
Following a couple of strong phases of play of their own, the home side forced a Lurgan infringement at the breakdown and subsequently converted the 30 metre penalty for a 3-0 lead.
Lurgan were undeterred by this early setback, however, and continued to work their game plan to good effect. Moving through several phases of play and some excellent offloading out of contact, Chris Cassidy was able to put his centre partner Craig Harrison clear for the game’s opening try. The score was duly converted by out-half Stephen Nolan for a deserved 7-3 lead.
The game settled into a period of strong Lurgan attacks, met by stern Randalstown defence, with the home side offering some sporadic but dangerous breaks of their own.
This spell was broken following some tidy interplay between Lurgan forwards and backs, which culminated in Stephen Nolan scampering over the line for the game’s second try. Nolan’s own conversion saw the score move to 14-3 in Lurgan’s favour.
Both teams exchanged penalties before an injury to their second-row meant that Randalstown were reduced to 14 men.
Lurgan took full advantage of their numerical superiority before half-time when, following some great work and a delightful chip through from scrum half Andy Stevenson, winger Jack Wilson was able to outpace the covering defence to touch down in the corner. Nolan missed his only kick of the day with the conversion, but Lurgan were still able to stretch their lead to 22-6 at the break.
Coach Paul Heasley offered some encouraging words at half time following a strong display in the first period, and Lurgan kicked off the second half intent on extending their lead.
The game did not continue in the same vein as the first half, however. Some misplaced passing and determined Randalstown effort meant that Lurgan’s play was more frequently broken up.
Some tiredness and ill-discipline at the breakdown also saw Lurgan concede several more penalties during this period.
With the play becoming more disjointed and mistakes creeping in from both sides, Lurgan were eventually able to capitalise on a short spell of slick passing and excellent support play, which finally saw centre Chris Cassidy run clear for a well-deserved score under the posts. Nolan duly obliged with the conversion for a 29-6 lead.
Stung by this latest setback, and buoyed on by an enthusiastic home support, Randalstown entered their best period of the game, delivering a series of attacks which eventually saw them cross Lurgan’s line for their only try of the game. The conversion from Randalstown’s lively out-half brought the score to 29-13 with some ten minutes remaining.
Randalstown’s vocal support sensed a comeback of sorts and roared their team on, but to no avail. Lurgan managed to stem several more attacks and steadily closed the game out, bringing play back into Randalstown’s own 22 metre zone before the referees whistle ended the match.
This was a very pleasing victory for Lurgan and a great start to the Seconds’ league campaign. The playing style and set pieces worked on in training paid dividends.
The pack dominated the opposition for long spells, with Jason Kane, John Catney, Richie Schilliday and Andy Mackey running strongly with ball in hand. Michael Campbell impressed in his new role at loosehead prop, while Aaron Robinson was highly effective in disrupting the opposition lineout on many occasions. Gavin Collins on his return to competitive action for Lurgan will be pleased with his first display of the season.
Meanwhile, the back line were well marshalled by Stephen Nolan. In attack, new set plays were executed incisively, making good ground from first-phase possession on several occasions. In defence, Lurgan’s midfield partnership of Cassidy and Harrison held firm against Randalstown’s big marauding inside centre.
Several new players also shone in the game, none more so than Niall McClorn who was playing his first game in Lurgan colours in the back row and impressed the Lurgan sideline with an excellent performance.
All players are reminded that with both the First XV and Second XV in action this Saturday, attendance at training is crucial if the club is to maintain the momentum from this first victory of the season.
