Roesiders Promotion Hopes Smashed As Larne Claim League Title
Limavady 9 Larne 19
Last Saturday saw the Qualifying League 3 title decider take place at The John Hunter Memorial Grounds. The homeside had just lost one game all season, that a trip to Larne back in September. The Men in Black knew going into this game that nothing less than a win was needed to take it to a play-off, while the Glynn Men could knew that a draw was all that was needed to be crowned champions, and with it, the one promotion spot back to Qualifying League 2.
Aided by a breeze, the North West side made a bright start and Pearse McNickle landed an early penalty for a 3-0 lead. That early score settled the homeside as they went on to dominate the early exchanges, but after 20mins all they had to show for their endeavours was a 6-0 lead. Whether it was a lack of killer instinct or Lady luck on Larne’s behalf, Limavady just could not get over the try line as they left behind three tries in the first half.
Eventually Larne made a furore into the Limavady ’22’, and were awarded a penalty on 35mins after needless indiscipline from a Limavady forward. Phil Andrews made no mistake with the strike, but right on the half time whistle, Pearse McNickle kicked a third penalty to restore the Roesiders six point advantage.
HT Limavady 9 Larne 3
Things were looking good for the Limavady Men while Larne had to reshuffle as they lost their hooker to a concussion. With no subs allowed, this resulted in the scrums becoming non contested, which worked considerably in favour of the visitors.
Phil Andrews kicked his second penalty of the day on 41minutes and Larne now playing with the help of the wind only trailed by three, but Limavady continued to dominate. But a lack of ruthlessness in the Larne ’22’ was to come back and bite them on the backside. Limavady back row forward Perry Semple had to leave the field due to a concussion, so both sides were now at 14, and after surviving a number of scares, Larne found an extra spring in their step and killed the game off in a ruthless eight minute spell.
Phil Andrews landed two penalties to for a 12-9 lead, and then on 71mins came the killer blow as Eddie Hunter powered over for the games only try. Again, Andrews was successful with the extras and not only was the game in the bag, but also the League title.
FT Limavady 9 Larne 19
So for the third time this season Limavady have dominated possession, and for the third time they have tasted defeat against the North Antrim Men. A bitter pill Paul O’Kane and his team to swallow, but congratulations to all at Larne RFC on winning not only an excellent game of rugby, but also the Q3 League title.
Next Saturday sees an early chance for the 1st XV to get that defeat out of the system as Monaghan make the long journey North in a Gordon West Cup semi-final. A huge game for both sides as the final of this cup is played at Ravenhill. All support welcome for the 2.30pm kick off.
Not only are the club hosting a Gordon West Cup semi-final, but they are also hosting a McCambley Cup semi-final. This is the second year in a row that our Saracens side have reached this stage and they will be more than eager to go one better than last year. However they have a tough job on their hands as they entertain the vastly experianced and also the cup favourites, Ballymoney 4ths XV. Kick off for this tie is also at 2.30pm.
