McIlwaine family star in victory

Neil McIwaine with his sons Ben and Mark.

Carrick were unbeaten going into the fixture, but the Pollock Park side were all over them from the off.

In the first five minutes Lurgan were 12-0 up thanks to two tries from Ben McIlwaine, who was joined in the team by his brother Mark and father Neil, who turned 52 last month.

Carrick were no match for Lurgan’s young stars with 11 of the home side being under the age of 25.

Lurgan’s pack at the break down was immense with Graeme Bell, Josh Lyness and Cameron Lyness winning every ruck they went to.

Lurgan went 19-0 ahead through a Josh Lyness try and subsequent conversion.

Carrick pulled back 10 points before half time, but in the second half Lurgan got back on the front foot thanks to strong displays from their front five.

Carrick scored a converted try against the run of play before Lurgan got another try through Richard Dawson after great work by Mark McIlwaine. His brother Ben added a conversion and a penalty to complete the scoring.