Larne Cup Win Over Rivals Carrick

As much as anything, pride was at stake after suffering a humiliating defeat on the last trip to Carrick.

The Glynn men started the game at a ferocious pace which the hosts couldn't seem to cope with. Burford, Gibson and Rea were giving a solid base to allow the backs to get some clean ball off the scrum. The line out was functioning well against a much larger pack which bodes well for the coming weeks. After much pressure on the Carrick line, they cleared the ball to the half way line only to find McBride who threw a long pass to Garrett who in turn found Burns who raced into the corner from 40m untouched.

The home side were clearly rattled and Larne tried to take advantage whilst they had it. Great carries from Hunter and McAlister put the Larne men in great position yet again. As Carrick conceded a penalty just outside their 22, Garrett took a quick tap before the defence could retreat and rounded the full back to go over for another five pointer.

The visitors held out in defence as Carrick started to come back into the game, Jamison, Cole and Crampsey tackling anything that moved. The new centre partnership of McBride and Hall stood strong letting nothing threw in the midfield. Carrick were awarded a penalty and duly converted to get themselves on the scoreboard. However, the Glynn boys did not let this have an impact on how they were playing. Winning line out ball in the opposition 22, the forwards set up a rolling maul to great effect, getting closer and closer to the try line, Burford picked his moment well to barrage his way over.

Poor discipline after the try allowed Carrick to add another 3 points taking the teams into half-time with Larne at a 17-6 advantage.

Carrick came out a different team in the second half and it was their turn to control the game. Big ball carriers started to make more yards and the pressure finally told as the hosts crossed over for what was an inevitable try. Larne knew that they had to dig deep but as the huge defensive effort started to take it's toll, Carrick managed to slip in for another try and take a 19-17 lead.

As the game sat on a knife edge with only a few minutes to go, a late surge from Larne allowed them to re-establish some territory. Carrick gave away a penalty which allowed the accurate boot of Andrews to put Larne back into the lead. Knowing there was only a few minutes left, the visitors defended with all they had left and held out for a dramatic victory.

Next week Larne return to Carrick to continue the league campaign and will be hoping for the same result.