Impressive victory brings Larne's season to a close

The Glynn men knew they had plenty of work to do when they lined up against a much heavier and bigger pack, but started off brighter and It was not long before they were on the score sheet.

The pack moved the ball upfield with great rolling maul play. Gowdy and Garrett, at half backs, spread the ball wide to Hall who burst through numerous tackles to go over for a score.

Larne were on the score sheet again shortly after. Hagans hit McCluggage in the line out and the ball was played off the top. Gowdy threw a beautiful pass to Marshall, who hit the line at pace to scythe the Monaghan defence and run in under the posts.

The hosts came right back, but strong defence – most notably by Steven Knox, who rattled the Monaghan outhalf on numerous occasions – kept any attack at bay.

The hard playing surface was also telling a tale, with young winger Agnew sustsaining an ankle injury which forced him from the field.

Just before half-time Larne scored one of their tries of the season. A scrum on the halfway line saw Garrett and Knox execute an exquisite move, allowing winger Gary Mills to power through the Monaghan defence. He then neatly rounded the full back with a beautiful pass to Steven Knox, who scored under the posts.

Larne started the second half in lacklustre fashion. Countless turnovers gave Monaghan possession and soft defence allowed them to go over for a score.

However, the Larne back line ignited soon after. A carbon copy of the move in the first half saw Mills break through again, but he rounded the full back this time to score under the sticks. Garrett converted.

Soon after Larne went on the counter attack. Marshall and Knox combined, with the latter scampering through the Monaghan defence and offloaded to McCluggage. Unfortunately he did not have the gas to make it to the line, so he popped to Garrett who darted in for the score.

Garrett was on the score sheet again soon after. A quick tap penalty inside the Larne 22 saw him beat the full back and sprint three-quarters of the pitch to score. It was at this stage that the referee blew the game up early.

This was a fine team performance by a Larne side who really were unfortunate not to go up this season.

Credit to the performances of Gowdy, Hunter and Stirling who were drafted in, showing the strength and depth of the squad.

Finally, the team would like to congratulate Gary Mills on his recent success of being crowned the new Face of Larne 2010.

Larne 1-15 - D Lough, D Hagans, M McMullan, E Hunter, J McFetridge (Capt), M Crampsey, M Stirling, J McCluggage, A Gowdy, R Garrett, G Mills, S Knox, J Hall, M Agnew, S Marshall

The club dinner this year is taking place on Friday, May 14. Tickets are 25 each and anyone interested in booking a place should contact president William Nelson.