McCluggage try secures league win over Holywood

Larne RFC 20

LARNE had to work hard for victory away to Holywood with a James McCluggage try sealing victory in the Kukri Qualifying Section 3 league fixture.

It was the third time the teams have met this season and it was the Glynn men who started the game strongly and early pressure created a penalty opportunity that was narrowly missed by Garrett.

Holywood were first to get on the scoreboard with a penalty for not releasing the ball in the tackle. After the restart Larne was on top and, when another penalty opportunity came their way, Garrett made no mistake in levelling the scores.

It was then Holywood’s to miss a penalty before the first try of the game came though the Larne fullback, Marshall. The conversion attempt was missed.

Garrett scored Larne’s second try with a great individual effort and quick thinking, tapping a quick penalty in Hollywood’s 22. He then slotted the conversion between the posts to give Larne a half-time lead of 15-3.

In the second period the home team lifted their game and troubled Larne on many occasions. The Larne team had to work hard in defence to keep out the Holywood attacks.

Larne worked hard to get back into the game and it was man-of-the match James McCluggage who scored a well deserved try.

The Holywood team were determined to keep themselves in the game disrupting lineouts and scrums for the Larne team.

Holywood managed to get themselves into a Larne 22 through a penalty and quick shortened line out and a lack of communication in the Larne defence let the Holywood out half to break through and score.

With ten minutes left both teams fought hard to keep possession but it was the Larne team that just about kept control and run the clock out in the dying minutes of the game.

1st XV – D. Lough, M. McMullan, J. McKinty, J. McFetridge, M. Crampsey, G. Wright (Capt), J. McCluggage, R. Garrett, P. Agnew, R. Thomas, G. Mills, J. Hall, S. Montgomery, S. Marshall.

Next fixture: Larne 1st XV v Randalstown 1st XV (away) on Saturday 27th March. Kick-off 2.30 pm.

Please note that on Saturday March 27 there will be a James Bond themed Casino Evening at the club. Tickets are 15 which includes buffet and monies to gamble with. Anyone interested in attending please contact the club to book a ticket.