Larne went into this match as defending champions, they had also just wrapped up Qualifying 3 with 14 wins from 14 and they had beaten Limavady, who finished second in the league, on the three occasions they had met previously.

Their previous meetings had been close, and no one had written Limavady off, but I don’t think anyone saw this one coming as Limavady powered to a huge win scoring eight tries in the process.

The Roesiders started the game with strongly and were on the scoreboard after three minutes with Peter Wilson touching down after a break by Greg Jordan.

No conversion but Limavady added to their score shortly after with prop Clive Scott driving over from a lineout after a botched clearance from Larne.

The defending champions were in disarray and Limavady took full advantage with scrum-half Jamie Miller jinking through a soft defence for try no three.

Larne finally got on the scoreboard though a Philip Andrews penalty but Limavady had the game wrapped up by half time as Chris Hunter and Luke Faulkner both crossed to take score to 3 – 29 in Limavady’s favour.

Any thoughts of a Larne revival were quickly dispelled when Faulkner went over for his second, shortly after the restart, and with Pearse McNickle adding the conversion the score moved on to 3 – 36

The coaches started to empty their benches around the hour mark as the game became a formality.

Larne’s Ryan Garrett took one for the teams persistent offending with a ten minute rest and Limavady took advantage with Ian Campbell crossing out wide for try number seven.

There was some let up for the East Antrim side as Matthew Agnew sent Richard McCollum over for their only try but Limavady had the final word with replacement Adam Miller getting on the scoreboard with the final try.

Final score: Larne 8 Limavady 46

Larne: Jonny Hall, Richard McIlheron, Jordan Burns, Rhys Thomas, Matthew Agnew, Philip Andrews, Ryan Garrett, Derek Lough, Danny Hagans, Chris Rea, Matt Crampsey, James McCluggage, Jonny Cole, Ryan McAlister,Eddie Hunter. Replacements: Joseph Johnston, Mark McIlheron, Steven McReynolds, Aaron McBride, Scott Montgomery.

Limavady: Peter Wilson, Pearse McNickle, Chris Hunter, Greg Jordan, Ross Moore, Luke Faulkner, Jamie Miller, Clive Scott, Ian Campbell, John McCollum, Michael Rice, Marcus McCollum, Daniel Irvine, Perry Semple, Richard McCollum. Replacements: Lee Clyde, Adam Miller, John Purcell, Johny King, Stewart Roddy.