Tough First Win of the Season for Larne 3rds

Sunny conditions and a blustery wind welcomed Ballymoney 4th's to Fortress Glynn on Saturday 5th September.

Larne kicked the game off against the wind element and started to control the game well. B'Money countered this good start by applying pressure on the Larne forwards through crash balls and strong carries off the rucks. Their momentum was grounded to a halt inside Larne's 22 when time and time again, the defence of Larne was tested. Larne able to clear their lines and counter the B'money maul from line-out.

B'Money were first on the scoreboard under the posts and looked certain to convert it, but sliced the drop goal conversion to hold the score 0-5 in the visitors favour.

Injuries to the home team forced D. Campbell and N. Kelso off the field to bring on J. Johnston and D. Harvey. A further serious ankle injury to J. McCullough forced the game to a stand still when Larne looked to bring themselves into the game. A paramedic car was brought onto the scene and helped J. McCullough off the field after a lengthy assessment.

The game returned with a scrum to the visitors.

After losing their very own pit-bull terrier hooker McCullough, Larne battered their way into a fighting comeback. S. Johnston made a thumping tackle on a B'Money player to spill the ball loose and quick ball out to the backs gave G. Gaw his first try of the season. Out-half Knox slotting the touchline conversion with ease.

The game didn't get going too long, when new start to senior rugby career, C. McNeil, receive a serious ankle injury too. An ambulance arrived at the scene some time after, but referee moved the game to Larne's vacant other pitch and declare Half Time score of Larne 7-5 Ballymoney.

The second half got under way with Larne having the wind at their backs, sending deep kicks into the Money defence, but returned once again with vengeance through a tap penalty try. No conversion made.

Larne responded well after Money's score through a sublime back move that saw A. Gibson split through a gap to offload onto G. Rennix on his side and score left of the post. Knox tallying his score up with another superb conversion.

Ballymoney in fashion, hit back with another unconverted try and several more attempts on the Larne line, but clearing kicks from Gibson, Gaw, Rennix and unlikeliest of kickers S. McDowell, covering well. Scoreline 14-15.

Ill discipline from both sides saw the penalty count rise and both teams receiving stern talking from the referee, but Larne taking chances deep in the Money half with 2 penalty attempts. Knox hitting the post on his first attempt and scoring the second. Larne 17-15 up.

Larne nudged themselves further on the scoreline again through Knox penalty, but soon lost the out-half in a try scoring attempt, injuring his shoulder in the process.

Heroic defence with 13 men left on the field saw the game out and finish Larne 20 - 15 Ballymoney.

Larne Man Of The Match: Andrew Gibson.

Dick Of The Day Award - A. Ferguson - Celebrating the ball being kicked off the pitch (barely making touch) and before the referee's whistle had blown.

Larne 3rds: B. Warwick, J. McCullough, S. Johnston (c), M. Gilbert, A. Ferguson, S. McDowell, C. Smyth, D. Campbell, A. O'Toole, G. Knox, J. Bell, N. Kelso, G. Rennix, G. Gaw, A. Gibson. Subs: J. Johnston, D. Harvey, C. McNeil.

A huge thanks to the supporters and members that helped and attended the injuries to the players. Best wishes to Jamie McCullough, Gary Knox and Conor McNeil.