Larne 2nds continued their league campaign on Saturday when they faced the challenge of Malone 3rds at the Glynn. Larne have started this season with two wins and were looking to make it three in a row. There were a number of changes to the team with numerous players making their first starts of the season.
Gareth Wright and Mark Magill started after only returning from Canada on Thursday. In the pack Mike Knox and Robbie Lough formed a sturdy second row partnership and Andy Darragh packed down at number 8. Barry Kirpatrick also made his debut at wing forward. In the backs Matt Agnew stepped into out half and Johnny hall made a welcome return at centre.
The day was perfect for running rugby and Larne knew they would have to play the game in this style as the Malone forwards were very large and Larne did not want to get into a forward battle with them.
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Larne were first on the scoreboard when veteran Rennix sailed into the corner for a try after good work by the back line. The try went unconverted leaving the score 5 – 0 to Larne. Larne relaxed a little after this score and from a lineout Malone’s heavier pack drove over the line for a converted score. 7 – 5 to Malone.
The much younger and lighter Larne pack were coping well with their counterparts and the backs were showing good skill although too often the final pass didn’t go to hand. Nearing the half time whistle out half Agnew spotted some space wide and released Hall on a mazy run to the line, outwitting two defenders on the way, for a try under the posts. Agnew added the extras making the half time score 12 – 7 in Larne’s favour.
Larne new if they kept the tempo and intensity high the game was there for the taking but not long after half time the Malone pack scored another try through brute force. This try went unconverted making the score 12 all.
This seemed to spur Larne into life and forwards and backs combined well to create opportunities but they couldn’t quite finish them off. Stirling had a great run thwarted by a well timed tap tackle and the forwards were held up short before the seemingly ageless Rennix showed the young boys how to do it, when after good hands in the backs he outpaced his opposite number for a great score. Agnew converted making it 19 – 12 to Larne.
Burns was next on the score sheet when he gathered a high kick near the half way line barged past his opposite number and sprinted in to the corner for an unconverted score. Agnew added a penalty with last kick of the game to make the final score 27 – 12 to Larne.
Larne can be pleased with many aspects of their performance against an experienced Malone team. Next Saturday the team face Dromore 2nds at home and any support would be appreciated.
Team: Johnston, Wright, McMullan, Lough, Knox, Stirling, Darragh, Kirpatrick, Kernohan, M.Agnew, Burns, Magill, Hall, Rennix, P.Agnew.
