Larne U18’s entertained English side Tynedale at the Glynn on a wet, wet, wet Friday night. The touring side were in Ireland as part of their trip to the 2017 Women’s World Cup Finals in Belfast the following day.
The match, organised by Larne RFC’s Women’s Coach, Teah Maguire, was a welcome fixture for the expanding U18 side who are mid-way through their preseason training schedule.
Despite the difficult conditions both sides contributed to an entertaining game though the effect of Larne’s powerful scrum, a particularly potent weapon, was somewhat lessened with the scrums played unopposed.
With a plentiful supply of ball the well drilled English side ran in a hat full of tries throughout the evening, Larne, further hampered by the restricted use of Ulster U18 Development players Rachael Livingstone and Megan Ellis. However there was good work by Cassey Jo Haggan, Georgia McConnell, Emalee O’Connell and sisters Adi Likuceva and Luisa Likuceva.
The Ulster duo did get to play the final minutes of the game with Livingstone scoring Larne’s only try towards the end of the game.
Speaking after the game coach Maguire told the Front Row Union.
“We were delighted to host such a well drilled site as Tynedale who gave our players a real test before we start the season.
There is plenty for us to work on in training but they are minor points and I’m delighted with the players efforts and that they didn’t give up until the final whistle.”
Larne U18’s will be competing in the Ulster U18 League.
