Larne are just one game away from Ravenhill final

PSNI 7

LARNE 1st XV are just one game away from Ravenhill after defeating PSNI in the last eight of the Gordon West Cup on Saturday.

With just one change to the team - Gary Mills coming in on the wing - the Glynn men showed greater hunger for the win.

Larne started with superb dynamism and great defence by McKinty resulted in a turnover which scrum half McIlheron capitalised on, running in from half way to score under the posts. Garrett converted to increase the points lead.

Larne continued to dominate and put the PSNI scrum under great pressure forcing knock ons and various other errors. Larne were then awarded a penalty on the PSNI ten metre line which Garrett converted into three points.

Winger Mills was giving his opposite number a torrid time and ferocious tackling by McCluggage and Boyd was thwarting any attack the PSNI made. However, the game came to an abrupt standstill when a PSNI player had to receive treatment for a injury. When the game finally restarted both teams lost their fluency but Larne went into the break 10-0 in front.

In the second period Larne’s lineouts were working well with Crampsey dominating. Ten minutes in, a neat move off the lineout saw McIlheron spread the ball wide to Garrett who bamboozled the PSNI backline to run in under the posts for a score which he then converted.

Larne then made a few changes which saw the welcome return of captain Wright and veteran full back Marshall.

PSNI started to come back into the game and did not give up. However, strong defence in the backs most notably by centres Hall and Knox stopped any attack they made.

An inspirational bit of play by outhalf Garrett saw him cross field kick beautifully into the arms of Montgomery for a try in the corner. The conversion was missed.

PSNI rallied back at Larne for the final 15 minutes. Larne kept them back, however a lapse in concentration saw the visitors score in the final play of the game. The game finished 22-7 to the home side.

Larne now face a semi-final clash against Grosvenor for a place in the final.

Larne Team 1- 15 ( D Lough, D Hagans, M McMullan, J McKinty, J McFetridge, M Crampsey, T Boyd, J McCluggage, R McIlheron, R Garrett, G Mills, S Knox, J Hall, S Montgomery, P Agnew Subs G Wright and S Marshall.

Fixtures Sat 20th February: Larne 1ST XV no game; Larne 3RD xv VS Ballyclare 4th XV (Home).