Larne RFC 1st XV, sponsored by AM Nexday, welcomed local rivals Carrick to the Glynn on Saturday afternoon.
With a good crowd gathering for the occasion, both sides were fired up before the match. From receiving the kick off the home side did not take long to establish some early field position and put pressure on the Carrick line.
An early penalty allowed Andrews to step up to the mark and give a 3-0 lead. There was a welcomed return of second row Steven McReynolds to the Larne pack and he put in an inspired performance both attack and defence.
The home side again exerted more pressure and it was not long before they crossed the whitewash. Patient phase play allowed Larne to get close to the line and McAlister went over in the corner for a close range score.
The Qualifying 2 side then came back into the game, strong carries from their number 8 proved a threat and took more than one man to bring him down on every occasion. Hard work by the back row of Cole, McIlheron and Hunter seen a lot of the Carrick efforts thwarted. Both sides had chances before the half time whistle but nothing more than a few penalties came and Larne went into the break with an advantage of 11-6…….. for the full report >> http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/larnerfc/s/match-centre-57321/0-2507554
Larne 2nds go 2 from 2 in Junior League 1
On Saturday 13th September Larne 2nds hosted Carrick 2nds in their first home fixture of the new season.
After an impressive win over Instonians last week Larne players knew it would take another exceptional performance to follow such a good win, however there were many changes to this week’s squad due to many players booking a well-deserved spot in the 1st XV.
The game kicked off and it didn’t take long for Larne to make a statement of intent with strong line runs from C. Aston and McKinty. The first try come within the first 5 minutes of game from a well worked lineout on the halfway line, which provided the backs with good ball for (second row turn centre) Colin McKinty to cut a line off 10 to go through the Carrick defence without even a fingertip on him to score under the posts. Aaron McBride added conversion. Score 7-0.
From the restart Larne attacked straight back at Carrick with Chris Rea and Derek Lough hitting the ball up. Good rucking and ball presentation provided quick ball for J. O’Toole. Larne used this to their advantage by shifting the ball wide, unfortunately a 2 on 1 wasn’t excited and Carrick regained the ball.
Carrick tried to punch holes through centerfield but Larne’s partnership of Aston and McKinty met the attack on the gain line with solid hits. Carrick slowly gained ground and were awarded a penalty inside Larne’s 22 for hands in the ruck. Carrick slotted the penalty. Score 7-3…….. for the full report >> http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/larnerfc/s/match-centre-57365/0-2507616
Great Opening Start of Season for Thirds
On Saturday 13th September, Larne 3rds travelled to Belfast Harlequins for their first game of the new season and produced a super 17-29 performance.
After being last year’s beaten finalists in the Butler Shield, Larne wanted to start strong and produce the same momentum that took them to it.
Larne’s great start came through centre B. Brown as he forced himself over the try line after good work getting up field from the forward pack.
Strong opening defence from Larne proved critical in the game, but came short when the Harlequins team burst through the middle of the field and scored under the posts. The conversion taking it to 7-5 for the home side.
The visitors got back in front from great counter attacking rugby from back three of Richard Bergin, John McGeachy and Andrews as they sliced through gaps, but C. Oakley charged for the line before offloading to Captain Stephen Johnston for a well worked team try in the corner.
Half Time score 10-7…….. for the full story >> http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/larnerfc/s/match-centre-57366/0-2507680
