Larne get the edge over rivals Carrick

In stark contrast to the start of the previous week's game Larne came out ready to play and to do some damage in the old grudge match that always was Larne versus Carrick.

Carrick didn't hold back either as both teams hit hard and tackled harder. Larne edged ahead in the colossal clash with D. Campbell scoring the first try and S. Marshall adding the conversion.

An incensed Carrick pack battered at the Larne defence in retaliation and forced themselves ever closer to the Larne line before their prop crashed over from a few metres out, but the try went unconverted.

Game on!

Larne soon answered back with great vision from S. Marshall putting A. Murray in position to break the Carrick line and score another 5 points. S. Marshall added another 2 from the conversion.

Larne now with their tails well and truly up held firm in defence led by the inspirational A. Darragh.

With their path blocked to the line, Carrick could only add another 3 points from a penalty in the first half. As the half drew to a close hooker S. Smith showed blistering pace and footwork to score a fantastic try from just inside the Carrick half, outpacing the Carrick back line. Larne went into the half time break leading 19-8.

The second half started much like the first with no change in the ferocity of the tackling and again Larne scored first as A. Murray crossed the line for his second try of the day. S. Marshall added his 3rd conversion to the tally.

Soon after, A. Darragh left the field with an injury which seemed to dampen Larne's defensive spirit. Taking advantage of this, as well as some questionable decisions going against Larne, Carrick upped their game and battered away with their big runners.

Larne held strong as long as they could before finally succumbing to the onslaught and Carrick scored their first try of the half, although it went unconverted. Carrick seemed to find their confidence and their renewed defence held strong against the constant battering from P. Reid and J. McKinty who seemed to break through only to be brought down soon after.

Carrick continued their tactic of crashing forward with the pack and eventually scored another 2 unconverted tries to finish the game 26-23.

Line-up: J. Butler, S. Smith, R. Adair , G. Jameson, P. Reid, D. Campbell, S. McDowell, J. McKinty, A. Darragh, S. Marshall, J. Thompson, A. Murray, S. McWhirter, S. Downey, C. Aston, A. O'Toole, M. Alcorn, C. Weir