Larne Rugby Club hosted five matches at their Glynn club house as part of their centenary celebrations which are taking place throughout the season.
Larne fielded three age grade side against teams from Ophir, Limavady and Randalstown with the 1st XV hosting league leaders Ballyclare in a Qualifying League 2 match. Larne Grammar Medallion also played Grosvenor Grammar Medallion as part of the celebrations.
The Larne 3rd XV were also in action, on the road for a league match against Armoy 2nd XV.
| Larne U13 | 30 | 24 | Ophir U13 |
| Larne U15 | 26 | 15 | Limavady U15 |
| Larne Grammar Medallion | 40 | 17 | Grosvenor Grammar Medallion |
| Larne U19 | 34 | 5 | Randalstown U19 |
| Armoy 2nd XV | 0 | 39 | Larne 3rd XV |
| Larne 1st XV | 11 | 15 | Ballyclare 1st XV |
We caught up with three of the games, details below.
Larne U13 30 Ophir U13 24
Larne edged this enjoyble game against near neighbours Ophir in the first U13 fixture to be played for a couple of seasons.
The team, coached by Andrew O’Toole and Gary Doey, showed plenty of enthusiasm with Jarred White, Tyler Robinson and Tommy Robinson amongst the scorers. Robbie Doey and Matthew Cowan also had strong performances in a match where the lead changed hands several times.
Pictures below.
Larne U15 26 Limavady U15 15
Larne took a narrow lead into the half time break following tries from Steven McRandal and Luke Burford.
Limavady hit back in the second half but scores from Glenn Wilson and Adam Maguire sealed the win for the home side. McRandal added two conversions and Wilson one to give Larne their 26 – 15 win.
Larne scrum half Andrew Coupland was nominated the Man of the Match following a strong performance.
Pictures below.
Larne 11 Ballyclare 15 Qualifying 2.
Larne came up short against league leaders Ballyclare in a typically abrasive local derby in Qualifying 2.
Larne started the game well and after a series of strong scrums they took an early lead wit a long range penalty from Milliken.
However, somewhat against the run or play, Ballyclare hit back with their hooker crossing out wide for an unconverted try. Larne continued to press with half backs Ryan Garrett and Jonathan Milliken prominent but defences dominated until a mix up in midfield saw Ballyclare centre, Jackson, break from the middle of the park to race home for their second try, this one converted.
Larne continued to press and got some reward for their first half efforts when veteran full back Stephen Marshall crossed out wide towards the end of the half. The conversion was missed and the teams changed ends with Larne trailing 8 – 12.
Larne enjoyed a strong start to the second half with Gareth Wright to the fore and their pressure yielded a second penalty for Milliken taking the score to 11 – 12.
The home team looked to be on the ascendancy and they came close with breaks from Garrett and Milliken and space began to open up following a yellow card for the Ballyclare winger who blocked Garrett as he chased down a chip ahead.
Unfortunately Larne were unable to take advantage and with their team fully restored the visitors were able to extend their lead, with 10 minutes to go, when Byers slotted over a penalty following a collapsed maul.
Larne continued to push in the closing minutes but Ballyclare showed their pedigree to close out the game for a hard fought win.
Larne: C Rea, C Gibson, D Thomson, M Crampsey, J McKinty, E Hunter, G Wright, J McCluggage, R Garrett, J Milliken, B Blair, A Carter, S Montgomery, B Blair, S Marshall.
Pictures below.
