RUGBY: Glynn men suffer narrow defeat to UUC

The men from Glynn made two changes to their starting line-up with new signing John Boyd coming in at number eight and Cary Aston making his first start for the first team this season at 10.

Coleraine had the better of the opening exchanges putting pressure on the Larne forwards. And after a a string of ‘pick and gos’ from the base of rucks they squeezed over the line for an early try.

Larne regrouped and started to put together some good phases of play, most notably by newcomer Boyd, who caused problems for the university defence throughout the match. Indeed, he was unlucky not to be awarded a debut try.

The students made good ground with their line-outs and mauls and their second try doubled their advantage.

Scrum-half Ryan Garrett was sniping at the back of the scrums and rucks and was rewarded for his hard work with an interception on the half-way line. He showed great strength to fend off a UUC defender to touch down for a Larne try. Garrett, so good from place-kicks, added two penalties to aid Larne’s cause making the half-time score to 14-10.

Both teams fought hard to gain advantage in the second-half with Larne boosted by the direct running of Daniel Garsten who was linking well with Boyd.

UUC benefited from two penalties to leave the game poised at 16-14 with five minutes left on the clock. The pressure was then again on Garrett with a Larne penalty opportunity but he could not convert the tricky kick.

Coleraine rounded off the game with a long-range penalty to leave the final score 19-14.

Veteran Stephen Marshall, was outstanding in his new position at 12. He organised the Larne defence well and put in some massive hits.

Larne continue their league campaign away to Grosvenor on Saturday, October 15.

Team: 1. M Knox, 2. C Gibson, 3. D Hagans, 4. M Crampsey, 5. J McFetridge (c), 6. E Hunter, 7. D Garsten, 8. J Boyd, 9. R Garrett, 10. C Aston, 11. R Thomas, 12. S Marshall, 13. J Hall, 14. R Gabbey, 15. M Agnew.