FirstXV (30) - Trinity Accies(9)

Match Report

The third game of the league season saw Lismore field a full strength side with both pack and back division present and correct.

The early exchanges of the game saw Lismore under pressure from both the opposition and a number of needless penalties, two of which were converted by Trinity. The home pack then started to exert some of the dominance which was to be a feature of the match. After good ground was made into a strong wind by both backs and forwards, Lismore drove a maul over the line for vice captain Euan Murray to claim the first try of the home side's eventual five. Captain Dougie Thyne later added a penalty to put Lismore 8-6 ahead.

Trinity quickly cancelled this out with another penalty of their own and it looked like Lismore were going to take the elements for the second half just one point adrift. On the last play of the half Danny Howitz, restored to full-back, blazed up the right hand touchline to dive over in the corner. Thyne just failed with the conversion.

The second half saw Lismore with the wind at their backs and a determination to keep the pressure on Trinity. A combination of Thyne’s boot and great commitment from the forwards kept Lismore camped in the Trinity 22. After just failing to cross the line on a number of occasions, Lismore were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Scorning the easy option of three points, a quick tap was given to Graeme Pardoe who breenged from just outside the 22 to score between the posts, Thyne adding the conversion. Gav Baker, whose direct running had been productive all game, decided to take on the entire defence. With a mixture power and evasion he successfully ensured the try bonus. Lismore added a fifth through Howitz, who was injured in the act. Choosing man of the match proved a headache for the home coach with so many good performances, but was eventually awarded to No.8 Nick Stemp.

Other Comments

Team

Man of the Match

Nick Stemp