Larne aiming to steer clear of the drop

Having gained promotion last season Larne have competed well winning four of their 13 games and came close in several others.

When they have been able to get their strongest team out they are capable of giving anyone a match.

But they have been missing a genuine experienced opening bowler all season.

Aaron McKinley, Cameron Ruys, Sean Singh and Gareth Alexander have done well at times, while the strength of the bowling attack lies in the spin department with Gareth Gaw, Chris Dempsey and Jonny Baxter taking the bulk of the wickets.

Baxter has led the way with the bat with Alexander coming back into form of late. Gaw has been playing well in the middle order and Ruys has shown he can be a superb all-rounder in the coming years.

Larne’s remaining five games are at home and they will be looking to win at least two of them to have a chance of staying up.

Academy and Cregagh currently have three wins each from 14 and 15 games respectively and both have to visit Sandy Bay, starting this Saturday with Academy.

The Hydepark men have won two of their last three games and will know that a win against Larne will give them a real chance of staying up. The last game of the season sees Larne host Cregagh in what could prove to be a vital game but Larne will hope to get some wins on the board before it comes down to this.