(pic from pre season tournament, credit krphoto imaging
Gordon West Cup Group A Limavady 7 Larne 19
For the second time this season Limavady and Larne faced off against each other, and for the second time this season it was the Men from the Harbour town who claimed the victory spoils. Just like in the earlier league meeting this season it was a win built on a solid defence and by also frustrating the life out of the Men in black. Limavady may have been able to win the forwards battle, but Larne made up for in the midfield with quick pressing and fierce tackling.
It was such hard work that yielded two penalties in the first five minutes which the Larne out-half had no problem slotting over. The same Larne player was then sinned binned for a late tackle on Full Back Greg Jordan and this opened a window of opportunity for the hosts to get into the game and make some inroads on the scoreboard, but all they had to show for their efforts was a penalty attempt from Luke Faulkner which just dropped short.
Half Time Limavady 0 Larne 6
Larne were more than happy to defend their lead and they continued to frustrate the Roesiders. They were duly rewarded for their disciplined performance with two further penalties in the 60th and 67th minute for a 12-0 lead. The game was now slipping away from the hosts and also top spot in Group A of the Gordon West Cup and with it a home quarter final.
On 75 minutes came small ray of light when from a rolling maul prop Clive Scott touched down near the corner. Greg Jordan kicked a terrific conversion to cut Larne’s lead to five points. But instead of getting back down into Larne’s 22 and throwing the kitchen sink at the visitors, it was Larne who went on the attack and with Limavady reverting to some Keystone Cop defending, Larne scored a try which was converted for a comprehensive 19-7 victory.
A very disappointing result, but second spot in group A sees Limavady qualify for the quarter-finals which will be played in the new year. The opponents of which are not known yet.
Team G. Jordan, I. Miller, P. Wilson, C. Hunter, R. Moore, L. Faulkner, J. Miller. M. Rice, A. Miller, J. McColhum, D. Miller, M. McColhum, J. Purcell, P. Semple, D. Irvine. Subs C. Scott, J. King.
