Carrick Prove Mighty in Local Derby

Both teams from the kick off contested bravely against each other in what was set to be a tough encounter. Hard running from Stuart Johnston and box kicking from A. White kept Carrick into their own half, but Carrick’s inside ball and offloading game kicked off their points tally with a try.

Carrick’s attacking ability was truly tested but thwarted several times by winger S. Meikle, with not one but two try saving tackles.
Larne rallied together and got on the front foot through the front row of Warwick, Stephen Johnston and McWhirter, pushing Carrick back on several occasions. Being awarded a penalty, R. McIlheron duly converted for Larne’s first notch on the scoreboard.

A penalty from Carrick extended the scores to 10-3 for the home side but play stopped before half time due to a serious collision out on the wings. An ambulance was called for medical help on the Carrick winger and S. Meikle for Larne taken off as a pre caution. The referee asked both captains for Half Time and a pitch change – agreed on both sides.

Larne got the 2nd half underway after the extended break, but started the slower of the two sides. Carrick placing deep kicks into Larne territory, pinned the visitors back, but came under pressure in opposing line-outs with a well worked set piece from all of Larne’s forwards.

With the penalty count rising against the home side, Larne tried numerous times to break the Carrick line, but failed on all occasions. Carrick hitting back themselves got two tries onto the board in minutes to trail away. One try converted off the post giving a score of 17-3.

Larne’s final points of the game came through the half backs combination of White and McIlheron through wide ball and a quick turn of pace, White sidestepped and reached over the line for the only try of the day for Larne. McIlheron from the left side of the pitch slotted the difficult conversion with ease.

A final try of the match for Carrick ended the local derby and final score saw Carrick 24-10 winners.

It was a great day for playing rugby and for those watching was a great spectacle of local rugby rivalry. A special mention towards the Carrick player involved in the head collision and wishes of a speedy recovery.

Larne 3rds: B. Warwick, Stephen Johnston (c), S. McWhirter, A. Ferguson, J. McNee, C. Smyth, P. Castle, B. Brown, A. White, R. McIlheron, S. Meikle, Stuart Johnston, R. Gabbey, C. Sheridan, A. Murray, J. Shirley, R. Bergin.