Lisburn get back to winning ways against Strabane

At Strabane last Saturday the Smiley Monroe sponsored Lisburn returned to winning ways when they overcame Strabane in an entertaining Qualifying League match.

Following their defeat to Junior Cup Champions Ballynahinch, Lisburn welcomed back a number of players to their injury hit squad and none were more influential than outhalf Mark Crowe who controlled matters throughout the game. Captain Pete Graham also returned at hooker, David Currie to the Second row, Bobby Hall to fullback, David Scott to outside centre and Alan Hughes came back to the flanker position following three weeks out with concussion.

So it was a much stronger team that took to the park against Strabane. Lisburn opened play with a great surge from outstanding flanker Stewart Evans which led to supporting prop Jamie Dickson being stopped on the line but the early pressure soon produced a simple penalty which Crowe kicked to open the scoring. Strabane came storming back but unfortunately missed a rather simple penalty and within minutes Lisburn increased the gap when the backs ran the ball through their hands and Evans was there at the end of it to charge into the corner for a well taken try. Crowe converted from near the touchline and then proceeded to kick two more penalties to open up a 0-16 gap by the 30th minute. Two minutes later the backs ran the ball out the line again and left winger Scott Hughes darted upfield to draw the defence and then passed inside to supporting flanker Evans who dived over for his second score of the game. Crowe converted and the half time score read Strabane 0 – Lisburn 23.

David Currie had to leave the pitch injured at the interval and a spirited Strabane started to put more pressure on the visitors with some good rucking and running by their backs. However it was Lisburn that continued to score with another penalty to Crowe and on the 15 minute mark, a great drive off a lineout by Stewart Evans allowed the ball to go to David Scott and a strong drive at the posts saw the big centre go in for the third try. Crowe converted to bring up 33 points.

With twenty minutes remaining, Lisburn started to think about a bonus point but it was Strabane who struck next. Strabane manufactured a beautiful clean break in midfield and then went in under the posts for a well taken score which they converted to make it 7-33. Lisburn fought hard to try and get the next try and in injury time, winger Scott Hughes created an overlap and passed inside to his other winger Owen Hilary who chipped the ball over the defence and then ran on to dive on it for the vital fourth try and urgently needed bonus point.

Lisburn host Limavady tomorrow (Saturday) in what will be a very important match for both clubs as they seek to move up the table. The Lisburn 2nd XV travel to take on Clogher Valley Seconds.