Pics (c) Steve Haslett
Match Report
Larne v Limavady
Saturday, 31st August 2019
The new rugby season got underway this week with Limavady travelling to Larne to take on an opponent with whom they have had some very close encounters over the past few seasons. Limavady have had some good results in close season games and so it was with confidence that they went into this game.
The first half proved to be a very dour performance riddled with too many silly mistakes and a game plan of trying to force play through the forwards just not working. Larne sought to stop Limavady getting good ball from the rucks by employing negative tactics to slow the game down. Half time arrived with the score only 3.0 in Limavady’s favour as a result of a Luke Faulkner penalty
The first twenty minutes of the second half followed on in similar fashion from where the first half ended. At this point, with Larne’s heavy pack starting to tire and Limavady deciding to open out play they began to get some success. After a good move along the back line Jason Kerr managed to squeeze in, in the corner.
A few minutes later a second try followed when debutant, Stuart Morrow, ran from deep in his own half and outpaced all of Larne’s defenders to score under the posts. With Luke Faulkner converting this stretched Limavady’s lead to 15.0 and gave them the breathing space that they so desired.
From what looked to be a very low scoring game now suddenly became the possibility of achieving the try bonus point. Limavady pressed for a third try and this was again delivered by Jason Kerr when he showed a clean pair of heels to his opposite number to touch down.
The bonus point was achieved when Matthew Haslett finished off fine work from the back line as he used his power to dive over.
With time now running out Larne did manage to get a consolation try when Number 8 Eddie Hunter succeeded in finding a way through Limavady’s defence to score in the corner. Ryan Garrett rounded the game off with a fine conversion to leave the final score Larne 7 Limavady 25
So, five welcome points to get the season started. It is always pleasing when a team hasn’t played to their full potential and still manage to take maximum points. Graeme Eastwood and his coaching team will be looking for a much improved performance next week when they face Banbridge in a Conference League fixture.
