A much weakened Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV from last week took to the field at Deremore Park on Saturday to play Lurgan 1st XV in the Conference league. Quins knew they would have a tough match ahead as Lurgan are unbeaten this season
The game started well for the home side with Andy Pollock running in a fine try 3 mins into the game, converted by Mark Thompson but an early infringement in front of Quins posts saw Lurgan take 3 points.
Quins dominated the set play and dominated the territory and after 20 mins of play Callum Leckey crossed the whitewash and again Mark Thompson added the extra 2 points giving Quins a 14 – 3 lead. However Quins were to fall asleep and Lurgan scored an easy try under Quins posts and converted, this gave them the start they need and followed this score up 5 mins later with an unconverted try after a poor Quins restart.
On the half hour mark Lurgan were awarded a kickable penalty which they got although Mark Thompson was to close the half with a Penalty making the halftime score 17 – 18 in favour of Lurgan.
The second half was to be a stop start affair which kept Lurgan in the game, Quins were to score 2 tries through the hard work of “PK” one of which Thompson was able to convert, Quins had a number of Penalty opportunities but against a strong wind the ball was pulled away from the posts. Two yellow cards were issued in the second half , one to each side and Lurgan were able to kick 3 penalties and a drop goal making the final score 29 – 30 in favour of Lurgan.
A sad outcome for the home side scoring 4 tries to 2, but discipline is important and this cost Quins with Lurgans only scores in the second half through Penalties.
The young Quins side will need to improve their discipline for their next game in two weeks time against Ballymena 2’s in the Ulster Senior 2nd XV League.
