Larne too strong for PSNI ahead of quarter-final

It was the hosts who started off the stronger at Newforge, controlling territory and possession. However, Larne got the first points on the board, thanks to a Ryan Garrett penalty against the run of play.

Their advantage, however, was shortlived. It didn’t take long for a weak Larne defence to give and PSNI slipped under the posts for a try which they converted.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure and having conceded a penalty, Larne were lucky not to fall further behind with the PSNI kicker going wide of the posts on three occasions.

With 10 minutes to half time, the visitors finally began come into the game. Great lines from the back row of Hunter, McIlheron and McAlister saw them move up the pitch and threaten the line for the first time. but by half time they still trailed 10 – 3.

But they looked like a different team after the break. McBride and Garrett used the wind well and it wasn’t long before they exploited the gaps as PSNI tired.

Jordan Burns was the first to cross the whitewash and another Garrett penalty followed. His kick put Larne in front and they never looked back.

Ricky McIlheron set up Scott Montgomery for his first try of the season before Hunter’s hard work was capped with a score.

Ricky McIlheron completed the job, outpacing the police for the final score of the day.