Larne Men get job done in Donegal

The men in red knew their opponents would be a much different side from the one they beat 99-0 earlier in the season.

There were numerous changes to the Larne side due to work commitments and injuries. Derek Lough, Colin McKinty and Mark McIlheron came in to the pack. In the backline Phil Andrews and Chris Moore came in to the team.

In fantastic playing conditions Larne kicked off against a big Letterkenny pack. From the onset Larne looked to move the ball wide. They made good ground through Hunter and McKinty early on. Lineouts and scrums were working well and the Larne men were on the ascendency for the first 10 minutes. Letterkenny tried to kick the ball deep however Garrett was more than capable to clear up and hit straight back on the counter attack.

Larne were on the score board first when McBride hit a beautiful cross field kick for Burns to catch on the hoof. The big centre continued to run up the wing beat two defenders and run under the posts for a superb individual effort. Andrews converted.

With their tails up Larne continued to attack. They scored a second in quick succession when McAlister and Moore made good yards up the right wing to pass to Garrett who rounded a few defenders to score under the sticks. Andrews converted.

It was at this stage the Larne men’s intensity dropped. Ill discipline crept in at the break down. As they gave away numerous penalties Letterkenny gained territory and began to play rugby in the Larne half. The Larne defence stood firm and did not look like breaching, however the ill disclipine still continued. Letterkenny were awarded a penalty in front of the Larne posts which they slotted over for 3 points.

The Donegal men gained momentum and continued to attack the Larne defensive line. Superb defence by Mark McIlheron stopped a scoring opportunity. As the half progressed aimless kicking by the men in red allowed Letterkenny an easy way in to the game.

As they continued to attack there was a turning point in the game when McCluggage and Jamison went in to make a tackle only to clash heads with each other. Both players were groggy with McCluggage coming off the worse and that was day of rugby done.

Reduced in numbers Letterkenny broke through and spread the ball wide to their winger who ran in to the corner for a score. The conversion was missed. At half time Larne led 14-8.

The second half started with a much higher tempo from both sides with a much improved defence from the Larne men notably Mark Mcilheron who worked tirelessly to hold back the determined Letterkenny attack.

The 14 Larne men redoubled their efforts and were rewarded when scrum half Ricky McIlheron dummy passed and went through a gap offloaded to Number 8 Eddie Hunter who sent the ball wide through the hands to winger Chris Moore who showed great pace in outstripping the scrambling Letterkenny defence to touch down for Larne’s third try of the day.

The try was unconverted. The 14 Larne men continued to defend their lead but were caught out in the final minutes when a loose pass went astray in Larne’s own 22 metre area and was pounced upon by the Donegal side who recycled the ball quickly to score the final try of the game. The game finished 22-13 to a very relived Larne side.

A dogged display by the Larne men with only 14 men for the second half. Letterkenny is never an easy place to get a victory so they should be pleased they won by such a large margin.

Next week is a week off to rest their bumps and niggles before Lurgan at home on Sat 14th December.

Larne Team 1-15: J McCluggage(capt), R McAlister, D Lough, M Crampsey, C McKinty, G Jamison, M McIlheron, E Hunter, R McIlheron, P Andrews, M Agnew, A McBride, J Burns, C Moore, R Garrett