Larne Grammar enjoyed a comfortable 7 – 54 win against Wellington College on Saturday morning in an Ulster Schools 1st XV Friendly at Carolan Road.

The Grammar’s centre Jack Withers led the way with four tries with Ross Currie, Euan Glenn, Shaun Lee Watson and Lee McKee also crossing. McKee converted his own try and out half Glenn converted six. A late rally by the home side resulted in a last minute try, the well struck conversion landed from out wide.

The visitors appeared to be further along in their early season preparations than the hosts with Withers wrecking havoc in the Wellington defence. The impressive centre grabbed an early brace, both converted by Glenn, to give Larne a 14 – 0 lead in as many minutes.

Withers completed his hat-trick at the end of the first quarter, this time unconverted, and scrum half Currie crossed for the visitors fourth at the end of the first half. Glenn converted to take the score to Wellington 0 Larne 26 at the break.

That man Withers crossed for his fourth just after the restart and Glenn latched onto a loose pass to add a try to his six conversions.

Replacement Shaun Lee Watson got in on the act, barging over from close range and a late cameo of a try and a conversion from McKee completed the scoring for the visitors.

Undaunted, Wellington showed remarkable resilience to finally breech the Larne defence, for a converted try, late on to reward their considerable improvement throughout the game.

Final score: Wellington College 7 Larne Grammar 54

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