Larne set for quarter-final showdown with PSNI

Laurence Kelly’s men are riding high at the top of Qualifying Three and now they have their sights firmly set on a last-four spot in the cup.

Having already defeated a depleted PSNI outfit 77-0 earlier this year, skipper James McCluggage is warning his men not to take anything for granted. “The police were weakened that day, so we can’t let complacency creep in,” he said. “We know the pitch will be soft so we won’t be able to play our usual style of fast-running rugby.

“Things are going well for us at the minute. Numbers are good at training, and there is plenty of competition for places which keeps everyone on their toes. The 2nd XV are also flying, so we know we have the strength on the subs’ bench and more than capable players are able to filter in and out of the squad.”

If Larne are lucky enough to go all the way to the final it would be McCluggage’s third appearence at Ravenhill. “I can’t see me getting another opportunity at this stage in my playing career. Personally, I would grab it with both hands.

“However, there is a lot of work to do in the quarter-final and a potential semi-final, so I don’t want to get to far ahead of myself,” he added.

Meanwhile, Larne Grammar’s Medallion XV have been drawn at home to Antrim Grammar in Thursday’s Medallion Trophy semi-final (2:30 pm).