Academy keep momentum up

The side appeared focused in the early exchanges but an inconsistent set piece allowed Lurgan into the game.

A damp surface proved problematic for the quick hands of the backs and the first half became a stop-start affair.

However Lurgan failed to threaten the Academy line at any stage. Poor finishing prevented the Academy from capitalising from long periods of pressure inside the Lurgan “22”, so by the interval neither side had managed to score.

In the second half the Academy proved too strong for the Lurgan defence. After several phases of intensive pressure Rory Thompson kicked through to score the first points of the game.

Strong ball carrying from Thomas Carlisle and Calum Boardman earned the hard yards for the Banbridge side with Patrick Hayes having another solid game, releasing Gareth Liggett and Matthew Armstrong into space on numerous occasions.

The Academy scored their second try from a driving maul which started from a lineout outside the Lurgan “22”, with the impressive pack effort being finished by the powerful Ross Williamson. The final points of the game came from a charge down which Thompson pounced upon to score under the posts, with Aaron Kennedy adding the extras on all three occasions.

The superb defensive performance saw Bann rack up 21 points without reply. The side are showing great promise at this early stage of the season and will look to build further when they face Bangor Grammar.

Academy also came out on top in the Seconds game, outscoring Lurgan 10-31. Rory Carson grabbed a hat-trick of tries with Matthew Bell and Samuel McCracken also touching down. David Carleton kicked three conversions.

However Lurgan proved too strong for the Academy’s Medallion side, scoring 20 points without reply.