Ballymoney overcame a blistering start from Larne to run out 35 – 13 winners in their Towns Cup match at Kilraughts Road on Saturday afternoon.

Larne were quick out of the blocks with an early penalty by Philip Andrews who was soon stepping up to knock over the conversion of an intercept try by Aaron McBride to give Larne a 0 – 10 lead in a matter of minutes.

Ballymoney hit back with a try from Martin Irwin, converted by Clellie before Andrews added his second penalty to take the score to 7 – 13.

The home side responded with an impressive break through the midfield that was taken on by Irwin who crossed for his second, and with Clellie adding the conversion Ballymoney went into a one point lead.

The Toon were hitting their straps now and it was no surprise that they extended their lead before the break with Dave McKeemin stretching for the line, for a converted try, under the close attention of two Larne defencers, the teams turning round with Ballymoney leading 21 – 13.

The second half was a closely contested affair but it was Ballymoney who continued the scoring with Matthew Bell crossing before the impressive Irwin completed his hat-trick. Clellie converted both in an impressive afternoon off the tee.

Larne had their chances throughout the game but they just lacked the composure of their opponents.

GALLERY BELOW

Final score: Ballymoney 35 Larne 13.