Historic Win For Larne Men

Photo: McIlheron brothers: Ian, Richard and Mark.

The Larne men who were still reeling from the loss to Holywood the week before could not wait to hit the field.

There were 3 changes from the previous week with Colin McKinty, Mark McIlheron and Houston Saunderson all making a start.

The Larne men started with a bang with Houston Saunderson on the score sheet within the first few minutes for a fine score. From them on the flood gates opened with Larne racking up 62 points in the first half.

The Larne men played a flowing game of rugby that coach Kelly has been teaching all pre season. The men in red were dominant in the lineouts and scrums. Craig Gibson and Chris Rea were having an impressive game at prop with a tremendous work rate around the park.

Phil Andrews also impressed with an impressive kicking display slotting over touchline conversions with relative ease.

Credit were credit is due Letterkenny came right back at the Larne men at the start of the second half and it was resolute defence that kept the Donegal men at bay. Mark McIlheron and Gary Mills in particular made thumping hits.

15 minutes of the second half took place with no scores and Larne finally broke through to start the scoring again.

It wasn’t long until the flood gates opened again and Larne ran in 4 tries to finish at 99-0.

Try scorers on the day as follows Gary Mills x4, Ryan Garrett x4, Ricky McIlheron x3, Houston Saunderson x2, Mark McIlheron and Ian McIlheron. Philip Andrews converted 12.

This was an impressive team display by the Larne team and individuals cannot be singled out.

However, the back line looked extremely dangerous with Gary Mills and Ryan Garrett looking an extreme threat every time they get the ball.

The inclusion of Mark McIlheron added that hardened edge to the pack that was missing from the week before. The team have a week off next Sat and then continue their Gordon West Cup Campaign in a fortnight against Civil Service at home.

Larne Team 1-15: C Gibson, G Wright, C Rea, C McKinty, J Cole, J McCluggage(capt), M McIlheron, E Hunter, R McIlheron, P Andrews, G Mills, I McIlheron, S Montgomery, H Saunderson, R Garrett