I caught up with the pre-season Chester Cup match between Randalstown and Larne at a busy Neillsbrook Park on Saturday afternoon. The match was played over three 20 minute periods.

Larne had the better of the first period, racing to a 0 – 12 lead after tries from Geoff McKinty and Charlie Patterson, the latter making his senior debut after leaving Larne Grammar.

McKinty rumbled over from close range for the first try, after 6 minutes to give Larne a 0 – 7 lead after a successful conversion. A second powerful drive from McKinty in the Randalstown 22, 8 minutes later, set up a central ruck and quick hands sent Patterson over in the corner . . .