Clogher Valley get the better of Larne 3rds
Larne 3rds were in action at home on Saturday 6th December against travelling side Clogher Valley in the first round of the McCambley Cup.
Blustery and cold conditions were not going to allow any easy game.
However, Larne started the game well against the visitors through the strong platform of forwards and provided quick ball for acting out-half Stuart Johnston to sell a dummy and go under the posts. Converted by himself, Larne took a 7-0 lead early in the first half.
Larne took another step forward in increasing the lead when W. Rea powered over from close range to a 14-0 lead. Johnston converting well.
The Clogher men regrouped well from their under pressure scrums, but quick ball wide saw them back in the game with a well worked score and conversion for 12-7.
Ill discipline from the home side saw the penalty count rise and a well placed kick into the corner saw the Clogher rolling maul score from the resulting line out.
Larne, fighting back, came straight back at them with strong counter runs from full back A. Murray as he exploited a few gaps using his quick feet. Camped down on their try line, Clogher defended the breakdown well, but prop Stephen Johnston found his way to the line to keep Larne in the fighting spirit. Brother Stuart, unable to convert.
The last action of the half saw Clogher claw back another try and leave the Half Time Score 19-19.
After a dogged first half affair, Larne's mentality dropped and soon Clogher capitalised on mistakes, breaking through tackles and competing well at line out time.
This spurred the visitors on and used the numbers out wide to again cause Larne's back line havoc. 2 well worked tries saw each wingers score in quick concession.
With little possession to show, Larne's pack got things moving again, showing great offloading skills and interchanging passes before M. Cooke hit a wonderful supporting line and score within 15 minutes left of the game.
A charge down kick by Clogher and hack through saw another score on the board, before Larne's last remaining points of the game saw A. Murray go round the winger and to the left of the post.
Clogher then had the last laugh as their final score took them beyond any comeback from Larne and an unfortunate exit from the Cup for the in form Larne side.
Final Score Larne 29 - 39 Clogher Valley.
Larne 3rds: S. Mawhinney, B. Meikle (c), Stephen Johnston, W. Rea, R. Williamson, J. McCullough, M. Cooke, J. McNee, J. Shirley, Stuart Johnston, Ross Johnston, S. McWhirter, G. Gaw, R. Bergin, A. Murray.