A celebrated victory this Saturday for Lurgan 1st XV against Donegal. The final score was Lurgan 31 – 3 Donegal. Lurgan did well to play in poor conditions on a pitch with meagre footing and water lying in some areas. The weather conditions were also challenging, gale winds and sleet one minute, sunny and calm the next. Playing into the wind in the first half Lurgan’s catching and passing skills were tested, but they kept up the tempo whilst maintaining continuity and possession.
Lurgan’s set piece went well, they continually won good quality ball at lineout and scrum, whilst disrupting Donegal’s play. In the first 30 minutes young Nail Greene stole 4 of the opposition’s lineout throws, although a number of driven lineouts should have resulted in tries if not for poor cohesion and composure at times.
Nonetheless, by half time Lurgan were in the lead 12-3 controlling the game, with strong wind to play the second hand was very promising. Dominating field position in the second half Lurgan pinned Donegal inside their own third for the large majority of the time. Donegal lacked the ability to score from their own half, though they never gave up and run hard lines at Lurgan for the entire second half.
Lurgan patiently awaited their opportunities to score tries, they played to their strength and exploited Donegal’s mistakes. Unable to break through Lurgan’s defensive line Donegal was forced to kick away ball, Lurgan ran back hard in response, mostly to good effect. Overall, it was a good performance by both teams considering the drive, conditions and refereeing. Donegal team never gave up and fought well, but Lurgan was much stronger and more effective.
This win was a major confidence boost to the team. However, the upcoming games against PSNI and Larne will provide a sterner test for the players and the club as a whole. More consistency in players training over the next four weeks is crucial to the team’s success.
