2nd XV v Lisburn

Monday, 15 November 2010 13:56

Academy 2nds V Lisburn 3rds  (13-11-10)

Academy forwards dominated the early exchanges, but a loose ball hacked up-field by Lisburn, resulted in a penalty (0-3,  3 mins), only to be cancelled out 7 mins later (3-3,  10 mins).

Lisburn regained the lead when their outhalf stepped through Academy’s defensive line, untouched, before offloading to the fullback who scored under the posts (3-10,  15 mis). Academy kicked three penalties (21, 27 & 31 mins) to give a 12-10 lead. The half closed with Lisburn No.6 being yellow carded for a late tackle on P.Moffet.

Lisburn’s South Sea Islanders always looked dangerous on the counter attack, so when a clearance kick missed touch, they attacked from their 22, spun the ball wide to the left, made ground up the wing before winning the race to a kick ahead (12-17,  41 mins).

Again Academy countered, and when P.Moffet and S.McCarthy broke from a ruck on the halfway line, S.Stewart was in support for the final pass (19-17,  47 mins). It was about this time when prop P.Jackson retired with a neck injury, inflicted by a shoulder charge midway through the first half. It was not long however, before both sides were reduced to 14 men, when Lisburn No.6 was carded for a second time, this time for a high tackle. Academy failed to extend their lead as the penalty kick rebounded off the up-right.

With only ten minutes left, Academy changed tack, and kicked long, taking the game into Lisburn’s 22. When awarded a penalty, they kicked for a 5m touch, and then the catch and drive took them over the line. The ref was unsighted, but brought play back for a 5m penalty.

Academy repeated the process, with B.Cahill being given the touchdown (26-17,  71 mins). When Academy’s next penalty failed to find touch, Lisburn’s counter offence was stopped by a high tackle by I.Christie on his opposite number, again the ref admonished a yellow card. The game ended with Academy slotting a fifth penalty (29-17,  fulltime).

the observer.