The 1XV rugby team have been victorious in the Ulster School’ Trophy, defeating local rivals Portadown College in the final on Saturday 5^th March. The match was played at Banbridge Academy in great conditions, and after a frosty early morning the pitch cleared, and conditions were ideal for running rugby. A healthy crowd came out from both schools to support and encourage the players.

The game was an arm wrestle from start to finish and we started the game well with some good play around halfway. This was followed by a spell of Portadown College possession, but great defence then allowed us to clear our lines. The next 10 minutes was all Lurgan College. Some great play and good territory allowed us to successfully convert two penalties, Peter Bird slotting both. Portadown responded admirably, with a break from their own half and some silky footwork resulting in a converted score. Just on half-time, Peter Bird converted his own try when he scored from close range. This left the scores at 13-7 at the break.

Knowing that Portadown could play from anywhere, the message at half-time was to be always attentive and alert.

Portadown began the second half doing exactly what we feared, a full width attack with their left winger streaking down the touchline to score in the corner. This brought the score to 13-12 in our favour but knowing that we needed a big response. We responded brilliantly, with Charlie Williamson sniping over from close range after a spell of good possession and running rugby. Peter Bird then backed this up by taking the three points that were on offer shortly after.

The final 20 minutes of the game was dramatic and highly eventful. Two nasty injuries occurred featuring our players and this resulted in two extended breaks in the game. Fortunately, both players emerged unscathed, and the game concluded with our players defending valiantly to shut Portadown out. Great attitude and character were shown, with lots of chop tackling, double team hits and speed to feet to stop Portadown advancing. The final whistle blew, and we had won the Ulster Schools’ Trophy, the first time since the 2003-04 season.

This was a memorable season. It will live down as one of Lurgan College’s finest in recent years because of the trophy win, but more importantly because of the development seen in our young men. We aimed to make the team one that was owned and led by the players rather than staff and that was achieved. The characteristics that rugby holds to; respect, diligence, honesty, integrity, and humility, were all demonstrated this season, and particularly in victory in the Trophy final. Captain, and Head Boy, Angus Cunningham led with maturity and humility all season, displaying genuine leadership ability. He was supported by Andrew Watters, Luke Stevenson, Simon Cartwright, Ethan Geddis, Mark Green, Charlie Williamson, Ben Clarke, Luke Harrison, Fergus McDonald, Dean Irvine, Lukas Mickevicius, John Patience and Ross McIlwaine, who were the Upper Sixth leavers who played for the 1XV through the year.

I wish these young men all the very best for what comes next and endeavour that Lurgan College RFC continues to move forward, with this season’s 1XV squad providing a cornerstone for the future.

Mr P Weir

PE Teacher/Director of Rugby