Spirited Larne unlucky against Ballynahinch

The previous fixture between these two sides saw ‘hinch win by 13-0, Larne travelled with the intent to score points this time.

Last minute call ups and injuries however seemed determined to spoil their chances as the Glynn lads arrived in Ballynahinch with 13 players.

As was expected ‘hinch made the most of the 2 extra players and scored an early try under the posts despite a spirited defence. Faced with the possibility of a deluge of points being piled upon them, all 13 men stepped up to the plate.

S. Johnston, W. Rea and D. Hagans led the rumbling charge down the pitch, setting up a platform for Garrett and Aston to run a play which culminated in Rennix exploding through the opposition back line to run in the visitors first try under the posts.

Aston duly slotted over the conversion to level the score.

From the kick-off J. Johnston retrieved the ball and took off down the right wing, sending the ball into space in the home 22. With support from Meikle and K. Rea, he closed down the fullback but quick feet saw Ballynahinch slip past the forwards and resume their attack.

Superb tackling from the entire Larne squad held the opposition at bay long enough for the cavalry to arrive in the shape of J. McKinty.

Bringing the team up to 14 they dared to hope that they might win this game! McKinty stepped into 1st center slot allowing McAlister to return to the pack.

The effect was almost immediate. The additional power in the back line combined with the extra man in the pack saw larne drive forward again in their own half before McKinty made a breakaway through the back line. Rennix, Railton and R. Johnston followed in hot pursuit, and was Rennix again who took the pass to score his second to take Larne into the lead.

A penalty soon after for the visitors allowed Aston to add another 3 points. Larne now firmly in high gear worked tirelessly against the 1 man deficit to protect their line but a simple fumble allowed ‘hinch to quickly recover the ball on the Larne 10m line and run in an easy score to bring them back into the game, fortunately for the defence the conversion wasn’t added.

With minutes left in the first half the home side won a scrum on the Larne 5m line after a superb effort in defence held the ball up over the try line. Ballynahinch determined to even the score were sadly disappointed as Meikle took the ball against the head and Garrett cleared the turnover to relieve the pressure.

Half time finished with Larne leading 12-17.

Larne started the second half reduced back to 13 men, as Hardy left the field with a hamstring injury, but the ferocity and determination of Glynn men continued unabated.

Both Rea’s took men down with savage force, S. Johnston, McKinty and McAllister turned ball over with ruthless intent, Hagans and J. Johnston bossed the scrums with precision and power and the back line to a man brought down each attack ‘hinch threw at them.

Despite all this, the extra 2 men gave ‘hinch the boost to score first in the second half. After some shenanigans in a ruck went unnoticed by the referee, the home side emerged with the ball and the no8 smashed his way through the defence to level the score as the try went unconverted.

Un-phased Larne resumed business as usual with the backs winning position and the forwards rumbling the ball up the field. From the back of a ruck McKinty took a quick ball from Garrett and then proceeded to “high 5” several forwards’ faces. Still not content, he then moved his way down the opposition back line “high 5”ing each in turn before cutting back inside to run unmolested to the try line to add 5 more points, followed by 2 more by Aston from the conversion as Larne took the lead for the final time.

Ballynahinch rose to meet the challenge Larne had thrown down. Fully utilising their number advantage and their experience they battered a tired yet resolute Larne defence. As decisions went against the visitors, the home side capitalised and scored 2 tries in quick succession. To add insult to injury, Larne suffered the loss of winger Railton to injury.

The remaining 12 showed remarkable resolve and each one put their bodies on the line to defend their try line. But the 3 man advantage proved too great and ‘hinch added the final to scores of the game to finish the match 43-24.

Despite the final score line, Larne’s performance was immense and each one of the squad should be proud of themselves and their never say die attitude. They played against a massive, well drilled ‘hinch side. Well done to both teams.

Line-up: D. Hagans, B. Meikle, J. Johnston, W. Rea, G. Hardy, K. Rea, S. McAllister, S. Johnston, B. Garrett, C. Aston, R. Johnston, J. McKinty, G. Rennix, I Railton