Report below + CLICK HERE for pictures of the I XV v PSNI RFC I XV
The final two players for the MIGHTY TWOS team were eventually confirmed late Friday night/Saturday morning when two members stood up to be counted to allow a full team to travel to Lisburn. There was some trepidation that this might count against the MIGHTY TWOS as some players were playing out of position and others were playing for the first time at senior level. This was soon dispelled as Lurgan took the game to Lisburn and took the lead through a penalty. Lisburn fought back but good defending and some penalties given away by Lisburn, when their dominant scrum pushed too far, allowed the pressure to be released.
Lisburn ran the ball at every given opportunity, with their outhalf especially slicing through some poor tackling and gaining good ground for them before being stopped. Knock-ons or going over the top at the resulting rucks, released the pressure for Lurgan. When able to attack Lurgan looked good but sideways running, some knock-ons let Lisburn off the hook. At half time the MIGHTY TWOS were leading 17-14.
At the start of the second half the MIGHTY TWOS lost Danny Reid to a dislocated shoulder and his absence was soon missed as Lisburn took advantage of the extra man and ran in more tries. Another Lurgan player then had to retire as well through injury and Lisburn scored again despite some desparate defending from the MIGHTY TWOS. At this point with only 13 players the match was brought to an end and Lisburn had won 34-17.
The players stood up well to a good Lisburn team and mention must go to the back row who all performed and tackled well; A. Stevenson and R Dawson who caused problems each time they attacked; P Williams who was outstanding in the tackle and made some good breaks. Also to the under 19s who played; A White, P McVey and J Walsh, excellent performances playing out of position. The future looks bright for the MIGHTY TWOS when players of this calibre are prepared to play for the team.
Next week the MIGHTY TWOS play Ballyclare. Players are reminded that training is essential during the week to not only work on defensive and attacking drills but also to ensure they can be considered for selection.
