I caught up with the Chester Cup match between Larne and Randalstown on Saturday afternoon at the Glynn. The Larne pitch looked in excellent conditions for the annual challenge match which traditionally starts my club rugby coverage for the season but, it was a bit warm for too much running around and the match was played over four 20 minute quarters to ensure adequate refreshment.

On Saturday afternoon, Holywood RFC was the venue for the Provincial East League clash between CIYMS 2XV and Larne 2XV. CI’s Belmont grounds were being prepared for cricket. As CI had already been crowned league champions and Larne were safe in 2nd place the scene was set for a fast flowing, end to end, game of open rugby in front of some very partisan supporters!

We caught up with the, newly minted, Gordon West Plate Final between Larne and Inishowen at The Glynn on Saturday afternoon. Larne were strong favourites for this one having already defeated their visitors twice in the league this season and they were quick off the mark with a try after two minutes from Charlie Patterson for a 5 - 0 lead.

On Sunday afternoon, in game three of a triple header, at the Kingspan Stadium, a combined Banbridge/Larne/Malone side played Enniskillen in the Girls Under 18 Cup Final. From first encounters this looked to be the tightest game of the three. Both sides had powerful packs and weren’t frightened to unleash their backs.

I caught up with the refixed Girls U18 Cup match between a combined Banbridge, Larne, Malone and Ophir side against Virginia at Rifle Park on Sunday afternoon. I found out on my arrival that the match had been conceded by Virginia due to playing numbers. However, the combine side shared out some of their players and an entertaining game went ahead.