Great Opening Start of Season for Thirds

After being last year’s beaten finalists in the Butler Shield, Larne wanted to start strong and produce the same momentum that took them to it.

Larne’s great start came through centre B. Brown as he forced himself over the try line after good work getting up field from the forward pack.

Strong opening defence from Larne proved critical in the game, but came short when the Harlequins team burst through the middle of the field and scored under the posts. The conversion taking it to 7-5 for the home side.

The visitors got back in front from great counter attacking rugby from back three of Richard Bergin, John McGeachy and Andrews as they sliced through gaps, but C. Oakley charged for the line before offloading to Captain Stephen Johnston for a well worked team try in the corner.

Half Time score 10-7.

With the breakdowns being penalised heavily, Larne’s lineout and maul game worked perfectly together and with a penalty awarded, scrum half Andrew Darragh caught Harlequins sleeping and raced over the line. Conversion from Knox 7-17.

Not settling down, Harlequins came back with another score of their own. Larne securing the resulting kick off inside the 22, centre A. Murray showed his gas as he outpaced the Harlequins defence to score a 70 metre try. Converted.

With confidence high in the Larne backs, a sublime pass from G. Knox found John McGeachy to score Larne’s final points of the day.

Harlequins got a consolation try at the end of the game. Final score 17-29.

Captain Stephen Johnston: “The first game of the season is always a tough one. Obviously there is still a lot of work to do, but to get the season off to a great start, from a fantastic performance, is the best we can ask for.”

Larne 3rds: Ricky Adair, Stephen Johnston (c), C. Oakley, Michael Knox, M. McKinley, S. McDowell, W. Robinson, R. Williamson, Andrew Darragh, Gary Knox, Richard Bergin, B. Brown, A. Murray, S. Andrews, John Mcgeachy