Larne stay on course after Newry win

With promotion still the main objective for the season, the home side knew that nothing but a win would be acceptable if they are to achieve this goal.

The hosts started off at a very fast pace, taking the visitors by surprise from the outset. As the ball was rumbled forward by the pack it allowed the backs a chance to exploit space in the wide channels and make good yards up the pitch. It was only a matter of minutes until Larne crossed the whitewash for the first time as McCluggage bashed his way through the middle of the ruck.

The front row of Lough, Gibson and Hagans were proving too much to handle in the scrum and set the tone for the match as they turned over ball on their first few attempts against the head.

With Larne dominating both possession and territory it was not long until a second try came through Gibson on his return to 1st XV rugby after a length spell on the side-lines through injury. With Andrews boot on form Larne were 14-0 up within the first five minutes.

The fast pace continued and Newry, at this stage, were offering no response to the onslaught. Hunter was controlling the ball well at the base of the scrum and as the pack marched forward it opened a gap for him to score a well-deserved try.

Larne started to let their discipline slip which allowed Newry to work their way into the Larne half on numerous occasions towards the end of the first half.

Solid defence, particularly from the back row partnership of Cole and McAlister, seen little get through the solid Larne line which defended the try line well until the relief of the half time whistle.

Score at half-time Larne 21-0 Newry.

Larne again came out from the break the stronger of the two sides. An early penalty was duly converted by Andrews to extend the lead slightly further. The new centre pairing of Thomas and McBride started to find their feet and create space for the back line.

Loose play allowed Hunter to make a break down the blind side to kindly feed Garrett to round the winger and score in the corner, Andrews unfortunate to convert from a tough angle.

At this stage the Newry side looked defeated and Larne began to carry the ball with even more purpose to rub salt into the wounds.

Andrews then found himself scoring a quick brace as the fast pace in which the hosts recycled the ball proved too much for the Newry side.

Final score 43-0.