Lurgan College progressed to the third round of the Schools Cup with a hard fought 0 – 14 win against Larne Grammar at the picturesque, but windy, Larne Rugby Club on Saturday morning.

Despite being hit by a series of illness’ overnight, Larne gave a good account of themselves with ample possession and dominant scrums but they made too many handling errors to put away the more consistent Lurgan College.

Interestingly, both sides faired better playing into the strong wind blowing off the lough but it was Lurgan who were able to convert their chances. Out half Jack Maxwell claimed the visitors first score with a jinking run that wrong footed the defenders and saw him finish under the posts midway through the first half. Maxwell converted his own try to give Lurgan a 0 – 7 lead.

Larne appeared to score a try of their own after a period of sustained pressure on the Lurgan line. Unfortunately the referee didn’t see the ball being grounded beside the posts before it was cleared by a Lurgan defender and the half ended without further score.

Both teams battled it out at either end of the park in the second half but the defences held strong. However, just as the game looked like it was going to go to the wire with just the one score in it, Lurgan turned over the ball in defence and broke clevely down their left with some fine interplay setting captain Reuben McCreery clear for the decisive try, again converted by Maxwell.

The home team tried to respond but time ran out giving Lurgan a well earned 0 – 14 win.

GALLERY BELOW