MATCH IMAGES COURTESY OF DAVID MCDONALD - COLERAINE FACEBOOK PAGE

Coleraine started the brightest during the opening exchanges, capitalising on a sleeping defence to score from close range. Followed closely from miscommunication in the Larne defence, allowed Coleraine to burst through for their second try of the day.

A penalty kick followed soon meant the Larne men were down 15-0 in the opening 15 minutes.

By this stage the Viking men suddenly turned up, strong carries from the forward pack took the game into Coleraine's half. Further pressure won a penalty, to which Euan Glenn kicked bringing the score to 15-3.

A strong scrum performance from returning prop Andrew Stanley, Craig Gibson and Luke Burford aided the Larne men's ability to have a platform to attack from.

Further pressure from carries by Eddie Hunter and Dan Campbell, allowed Ryan Garret to snipe over for a try which was converted by Euan Glenn.

Again though Larne's own mistakes proved to be their own downfall. With Coleraine stealing lineout ball and a few missed tackles allowed them to stroll in for their third try. First half ending 20-10.

The second half proved much the same, Coleraine capitalising on Larne's mistakes in defence in the wider channels and the lineout proving to be hot & cold at times. This allowed Coleraine to stretch ahead with a penalty kick, followed by a set piece move to score in the corner.

With the game at 28-10 Larne didn't give up in their fight. Dogged defence from Ryan McAlister and Craig Gibson started to hold off the Coleraine attackers, while further carries from Jack Withers and Steven Dickey meant Coleraine weren't given an easy day.

For all of Larne's effort, a drop ball in the 22 resulted in Coleraine picking up and scoring the games final points. The result ending 35-10.

There is much to be taken from this performance with Larne's never say die attitude. A shout out to Logan Shannon making his 1st XV debut and for Ryan McAlister named Larne's player of the match.

Next weeks fixtures - Saturday 10th October:

Larne 1sts v Ards
Lurgan 2nds v Larne 2nds
Lurgan 3rds v Larne 3rds

MATCH IMAGES COURTESY OF DAVID MCDONALD - COLERAINE FACEBOOK PAGE