Larne ease through to semi finals of Gordon West Cup

The game was well supported with a large turnout to the pre match function which was kindly sponsored by Ross Thompson and Steven Knox.

After not playing for almost 3 weeks due to the weather the Larne team knew that rustiness could be a problem due to the lack of rugby.

PSNI, meanwhile, came into the game with a changed side from that played Larne earlier in the season.

They looked intent on spoiling their hosts' party early on, dominating the opening 10 minutes and were unfortunate not to be 3-0 in front when they missed a kick in front of the posts.

Larne were knocked into gear by this early setback, coming close on numerous occasions however the final pass would not go to hand.

A combination of simple errors and excellent PSNI defending kept them out until the immense pressure finally told as Wright, took an off load from Andrews to drive over the line. Andrews converted. Larne continued to attack and as Houston Saunderson ran deep in to the PSNI half the ball was spread wide which saw Garrett throw a miss pass out to Burns who ran over for a score. Andrews converted.

Garrett was next on the score sheet when he broke through the PSNI defence to go in for a score.

Larne then brought on their two replacements Smyth and Hall. Smyth made an instant impression hitting a beautiful line off Ricky McIlheron to break through the PSNI defence to score. Andrews converted.

As the flood gates opened Mark McIlheron and man of the match Eddie Hunter barged over for two tries.

The next two scores were well taken by Jordan Burns who completed his hattrick. The first score was a well weighted chip through by Andrews that he outpaced the PSNI fullback to touch down. His final try was the pick of the scores when Garrett hit a cross field kick which winger Kelso latched on to. As he was hauled down just before the line he off loaded to the hat trick hero Burns.

With only a few minutes remaining the tired legs were evident on both sides with the soft ground sapping the players energy. Good blitz defence by Larne saw Gibson intercept a PSNI pass to run in from close range. As Andrews slotted over the conversion the referee blew the final whistle.

Larne ran out winners 59-7.

It was a rusty first half by the Larne men which was expected after no rugby for 3 weeks. However they were pleased at how the set piece went dominating the line outs and scrums the entire game.

The team kicked in to gear at the start of the second half and took control to go out of sight despite the PSNI crossing the whitewash midway through the second half.

Wright and Hunter were impressive throughout covering a vast amount of ground in both attack and defence. It was a much needed run out for what is the teams most important game of the season next week against Holywood at the Glynn.

The team ask for as much support as possible to come out and cheer them on.

Larne: C Gibson, G Wright, C Rea, M Crampsey, J McCluggage (Capt), R McAlister, M McIlheron, E Hunter, R McIlheron, P Andrews, N Kelso, S Montgomery, J Burns, H Saunderson, R Garrett. Subs: S Smyth and J Hall