Home tie is reward for Friends

With both sides able to field their strongest possible team, the fixture seemed likely to play host to a number of tantalising battles in key positions.

Friends' withstood some early pressure exerted by the East Antrim outfit and dealt well with some powerful ball carriers. The hard work in defence was rewarded with an Andrew Vance try after some excellent set piece play by the forwards.

The Friends' side thereafter struggled to get out of first gear and the Larne side looked the more potent going in to half-time. With the wind at their backs and a slight downhill advantage, the Lisburn side looked for territory at every opportunity.

Larne's failure to capitalise on their chances heartened the Friends' team and David McGuigan demonstrated just how valuable an asset he is after breaking a number of tackles to score under the posts. Craig Lewsley added his second conversion of the day leaving the visitors 14 points to the good.

Larne suffered yet further frustration as the Friends' team continued to maintain their resolute defence and errors began to creep into the potentially devastating attacking movement lead by Larne out-half Stuart McIlwaine. The last act of the game saw full-back Craig Lewsley add to his personal tally with a well struck penalty.

The tie with Sullivan Upper School is scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 6 at 10:30 am, all support is very welcome.