Match report and Images by The Front Row Union

Larne coach Alasdair McKee took his team to his old stomping ground at Holywood RFC for their first pre-season friendly post lockdown. Despite the one sided scoreline it was a useful workout for both sides.

It was a tight enough first half with both sides playing well despite their extended lay off. Larne took the opportunity to showcase some of their newly recruits, ex Larne Grammar School talent and Euan Glenn featured strongly at out half with Robbie Doey mixing a solid defence with some strong runs from full back.

However, it was veteran Aaron McBride that opened the scoring for Larne, the centre bustling through midfield to score close to the posts after 12 minutes. Scott Montgomery came close minutes later after an abrasive charge from Al Black but it was impressive scrum half Anton White that was next to cross after a successful kick and chase. Glenn added the extras to give Larne a 12- 0 lead after 15 minutes.

Holywood piled on the pressure for the remainder of the half but they were unable to break down the well organised Larne defence and a storming 50 yarder from Larne’s Rhys Thomas on the stroke of half time gave the visitors a comfortable 19 – 0 lead as the teams changed ends, after Glenn added the conversion.

A flying start to the second half from Larne knocked the fight out of Holywood as Stephen Dickie and Glenn crossed in quick succession.

Further scores came from McBride, Black, Eddy Hunter and Andrew Hyndman with Scott Kane claiming the last. Calum McKay knocked over some monster conversions to give a final score of Holywood 0 Larne 66.

A big thank you to The Front Row Union for a match report and images.

Match Report below from 1sts Captain Craig Gibson:

Saturday 5th September

Larne 66 Holywood 0

First match of the season and what a result to kick off the new campaign.

The starting team saw a few changes made with golden oldies Derek Lough come in to prop & Scot Montgomery into centre.
Larne started off the better team team with back row Dan Campbell & Al Black terrorising the Holywood attack with a couple of hits and steals at ruck time.

Larne had the greater amount of possession & pressure which led to a hard line by Aaron McBride to open up the scoring.
The next try was an opportunistic one with Anton 'PB' White, attacking the blindside before a Garret-esque chip & gather led to a try next to the sticks, debutant Euan Glenn converted.

Larne next score was brought straight of the training paddock. A dominant set piece from the forwards at scrum time, led to a set play move putting Rhys Thomas underneath the posts.

A few mistakes meant Holywood was able to stop any further scores before the break.

With a few changes at half time Larne struck quickly. A few phases of play in Holywood's half, led to quick hands from Luke Burford & Andrew Hyndman to put another debutant Steven Dickey in for a try in the corner converted again by Glenn.

From this point the flood gates had opened with four further tries from Euan Glenn, Aaron McBride, Al Black & Eddie Hunter, conversions by Glenn and his replacement Callum Mckay.

Hunter's try came off the back of another dominant scrum led by Burford, Hyndman & Jonny Deehan in the front row.

Two more tries finished the game up with Hyndman and Stuart Andrews dotting down.

A great first game back with very few mistakes and a lot of effort put in by the entire squad.

Next up are arch rivals Carrickfergus Saturday 12th September.

Try scorers:
Aaron McBride x 2
Anton White
Rhys Thomas
Steven Dickey
Euan Glenn
Eddie Hunter
Al Black
Andrew Hyndman
Stuart Andrews

Conversions:
Euan Glenn x 5
Callum McKay x 3