Larne defeated by mighty ‘Quins

Larne went one up with Laura Withers’ deflected effort rattling the backboard on 25 minutes. But that was as good as it got as second-placed ‘Quins stepped it up a gear with two goals in quick succession before the break.

The Belfast side, who were relegated from the Premier League last year, notched up a further five goals from penalty-corners to earn a thumping 7-1 win.

Larne weren’t expecting a victory and used the game to try out some new tactics. They performed well in the first-half but fitness told after the break and they missed opportunities which would have narrowed Harlequins’ winning margin.

This weekend’s game is away to Omagh and with no second XI game, coach Andy King should be able to take a bigger squad on the road. It’s must-win match for second-bottom Larne, who would leapfrog their opponents in the table if they managed to register three vital points.

Team: T Neill, M Finlay, L Snoddy, G Russell, R Dalton (c), G Rennix, C McIlwaine, A Ogilby, I Carmichael, L Withers, D Henry, A Beggs, R Dalton,

A single goal from Rebecca McIlwaine saw Larne’s Seconds edge past Carrick seconds in a hotly-contested game. McIlwaine played an important role in gaining the three points, helping take the team out of the relegation zone.

Team: C Morrow, K Neill, R Beggs, J Wilson, R McIlwaine, J Swann, K Stewart, T Martin (c), J Spence, Z Purdy, P Crawford, R Henry, S Russell, C Blair, A Snoddy

Larne Thirds had a good game against their Mossley counterparts, scoring three goals in the first half courtesy of Faye Hamill and Serena Russell (two). The Mossley side were not easily deterred and in the second session they defended well and did have a few fast breaks. However, Larne were happy to have another victory in the bag.

Team: C Morrow, S Russell, R Henry, F Hamill J Moore, T Neill, C Blair, S Evans, T Martin, R McIlwaine, K Stewart R Henry, S Russell, P Crawford

Meanwhile the Under-13s went to Mossley for the regular Mini Tournament. They are playing well and continuing to learn about teamwork and positional play. Skills training for the 11 to 15 age group is on Monday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Larne High School. New members welcome.

Fixtures (Saturday, February 2): Omagh v Larne; Newtownards V v Larne III (2pm); Coleraine U15s v Larne U15.