Strong first half sets up great score for Larne 2nds

Photo Credit: Larne Times

From the kick off Larne made their authority count when Johnny Mckinty, returning from injury, surged up the field for good territory. Banbridge tried to shut the early momentum out from their own try line, but Peter Reid carried well before offloading to Mckinty to score Larne’s opening try.

McBride was on hand to score the next try when he spotted a gap in the defensive line and increased Larne’s growing lead.

Ryan McAlister was next to show how well he could run with the ball when a 2 on 1 move was passed out to Brian Blair to race down the sideline and score.

Banbridge tried hard to run with the ball, but a turnover by the Larne forwards gave Bobby Garrett his first try of the day. The second came shortly when Mark McIlheron’s run from a penalty was well supported by Garrett.

Larne became more ruthless in the set pieces when Luke Cameron competed well in the Banbridge lineout, stealing ball for the home side.

Garrett being ever more present in the game, ran a great line and offloaded to Gary Knox to score his first of 2 of the day.

Peter Reid marshalled Larne’s defensive line when he manhandled Banbridges attack to create a brilliant solo turnover.

Last play of the half saw neat footwork by Nick Kelso hold the ball up and the support from Knox to score in the right corner.

Half time score 45-0 to Larne.

The fast paced tempo of the first half seemed a distance away as a tighter game developed between the 2 sides. Banbridge looked to their backs and created some good phases to show what they could do. However Bobby Garrett’s hat trick try dented their hopes of creating an early fightback as he sauntered over the tryline.

Man mountain Peter Reid leaped high from the resulting kick off and stormed up the pitch looking for a solo effort, but a try saving tackle was put in from the Banbridge full back halting the Larne man’s charge.
Garrett’s man of the match performance would’ve been topped by a 4th score through a spectacular chip and chase kick, but was fumbled at the line.

A superb effort from the Banbridge centre, danced his way through for Banbridges only consolation.
Larne’s final tries came from Aaron Carter and Mark McIlheron. McBride converting 8 out of 10 kicks in a good display.

Final score 66-5.

Larne: D. Lough (c), R. McAlister, S. McWhirter, G. Liddle, P. Reid, L. Cameron, M. McIlheron, J. McKinty, B. Garrett, A. McBride, N. Kelso, G. Knox, C. Moore, B. Blair, A. Carter