Dromore Legends v Lurgan Legends: Awesome Champagne Rugby & Jonny McNeill Comments

After running Ballynahinch close in their opening match in the inagural Ulster Branch Legends League, Dromore Barbanians were looking forward to entertaining Lurgan over 35s at Barban Hill on Friday last. Dromore’s Captain Jeremy Ogle had to make a few tough selection calls such is the interest of veteran players in this competition.

A large crowd gathered on the Hill to watch Dromore under the lights in a throw back to years past. Lurgan Captain Davy Stevenson opted to play against the wind and the ref got proceedings underway. Dromore attacked from the off and tries followed in a display of running rugby, Jonny Penny playing out of position in the back row scored two quick tries before being replaced by the oldest player in the squad Neil Pepper from Quilly. Further tries by Alan McCaldin (2), Glen Wright, Andy Mackey and the “aul fella” Pepper all converted bar one by skipper Ogle left the crowd entertained and the score to 47 -0 at the break.

Lurgan began the second half refreshed and threatened the Dromore line on several occassions, but strong tackling from Mark Smith and Stevie Dillon repelled their advances. Dromore then attacked the heart of Lurgan again with strong runs from Roger Erwin and Stevie Lyttle gaining good yards into the wind. Ogle set up Erwin for a score which was quickly followed by a try by Jason Murphy. Dromore finished the evenings scoring with a solo effort by Neil McFarland to leave the finishing score 64 – 0 to Dromore.

Dromore now lie in wait to after Christmas for their next match against Clogher Valley over 35′s.

Dromore spokesman Jonny McNeill said after the game ” a super performance from our lads, and we seem to be getting fitter which is unbelievable because I personally haven’t trained since 1996, although the “craft” is still there in abundance”