Clogher Valley 35 v Larne 2nds 38

The match ebbed and flowed from beginning to end eventually going down to the last kick of the game when Aaron McBride stroked over a difficult penalty from close to 40 metres to seal the win for Larne.

Both sides started well and tried to play some good rugby but it was Clogher Valley who got off to the better start with a converted try after 10 minutes. This was followed by a penalty to take a 10 point lead.

It was essential that Larne scored next and they did exactly that with an excellent solo try for Jordan Burns who counter attacked from a clearance kick from the 10 metre line. McBride added the extras and Larne were up and running.

As was the nature of this exciting game Clogher valley struck again. This was swiftly followed by an intercept try by Bobby Garrett to keep Larne in the hunt.

The Clogher Valley pack were dominating up front and making great ground around the fringes through some weak Larne tackling and, with a 25 – 14 half time lead it looked like they would run away with it if Larne didn’t up their game.

Up their game they did. The tackling improved and the intelligent and skilful Larne backline started to show just what it was capable of.

Aaron McBride controlled things well from outhalf and Gary Knox scored a beautiful solo try to get Larne back in the hunt. This was followed by 2 more tries from Nick Kelso and Jordan Burns, all converted by McBride, to race into a 35 – 25 lead.

It looked like the game was won but Valley again upped their commitment and came straight back at Larne and soon the teams were tied on 35-35.

There was some stand out performances in defence from Larne with a huge tackle count from Luke Cameron, and by Greg Liddle and Aaron McBride around the fringes. In attack Burns a Knox worked brilliantly in midfield with Kelso, Johnson and Blair always looking dangerous.

Away wins against top teams are what win leagues and man of the match McBride’s winning penalty could turn out to be critical for this talented and ambitious young team.

Larne: D. Lough, R. McAlister, B. Warwick, A. Ferguson, G. Liddle, L. Cameron, W. Robinson, S. Johnston, B. Garrett, A. McBride, N. Kelso, G. Knox, J. Burns, B. Blair, J. Johnson