Ophir outpaced by Larne backs

This was Ophir's second visit this season; the previous one had resulted in an 83 point hammering for the Mallusk team in the Gordon West Cup.

Within 5 minutes of the kick off the Larne right winger broke clear to score an unconverted try. Ophir fought back to within 10 metres of the Larne line but turnover possession took the home team up to the Ophir 22. From a set scrum the ball was swept to the Larne outside centre for a clear run to the line. And from the restart the ball was given top the Larne scrum half who sidestepped a couple of despairing tackles and sprinted 50 metres to touch down under the posts. With the conversion, Ophir trailed 17 - 0. Worse was to follow for the visitors when 5 minutes later the Larne inside centre cut loose with another storming run to add another 7 points. On the half hour, Ophir managed to battle their way to the Larne line but again lost possession and paid the penalty. By half time, both the Larne outside centre and Number 8 added to the scoresheet to make it 41 - 0.

There was at least one crumb of comfort for the Ophir supporters, in the domination of forward play. After a first class driving maul, Ophir's flanker, Johnny Murphy managed to squirm his way out of a tackle to get the ball down under the Larne posts. Out half, Alan Davison converted. But the power and speed of the Larne back line was unstoppable. Three more tries were scored by their wingers before Ophir got another opportunity to improve their scoreline. A decent set scrum 10 metres from the Larne line allowed number 8 Neil Gray to control the ball going forward, scrum half Karl Davis picked up and flipped the neatest of passes to Dave Lucas to cross the line. Again Alan Davison converted but that was the end of Ophir's contribution to the scoring. Neil Gray was unfortunate to have a try disallowed for a double movement but Larne had the last say with a final try to win the match 68 - 14.

Ophir (15-9) Ron Bell, Dean McNeil, Cillian Rooney, Stevie Hastings, Conor Bond, Alan Davison, Karl Davis. (8-1) Neil Gray, David Lucas, Jonny Murphy, Philip Adgey, Brian Harper, Chris Phillips, John-Joe Flood, Matt Campbell.

Next Saturday Ophir 1's play Newy at home. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.