The Front Row Union Sport - Junior Cup: Larne 3 Ballyclare 29

Larne were overpowered by near neighbours Ballyclare in the Ulster Junior Cup tie at the Glynn on Saturday afternoon. The final score made light of Larne’s efforts, with the home team competitive throughout, and it was good to see both sides feature a number of ex schools players who graduated to the senior ranks during lockdown.

Report and pictures by Nick Murray

Mark Jackson put his preseason tag to good use with an early try for Ballyclare against Larne

Ballyclare started quickly with youngster Mark Jackson crossing in the first minute, before Larne had even got mud on their boots, but a blustery wind at the north end of the pitch meant the conversion went awry. 0-5.

Euan Glenn was the only scorer for Larne with three points from the boot.

Larne were next on the scoresheet when Euan Glenn drilled a penalty between the posts after 7 minutes to take the score to 3 – 5.

Despite periods of pressure from both teams, that remained the score come half-time.

The talented Joel McBride crossed for Ballyclare early in the second half and with Jackson converting the score was pushed along to 3 – 12 in the visitors favour. It was already looking like a big lead in difficult conditions and when Ryan Tweed crossed ten minutes later, to push the score to 3 – 17, it looked like game over.

Scott Martin sets off the mullet with a spectacular dive at the end of the game.

Larne kept plugging away and they remained competitive. They had their moments but were unable to find the continuity to finish them off and as the game opened up the visitors were able to take advantage with two more tries as Adam Barron and Scott Martin both crossed. Jackson converted the first to give a final score of Larne 3 Ballyclare 29.