The Larne pack dominated this game although it was only in the final quarter that they made sure of the win at Portadown College.

It was a deserved victory for the visitors whose forwards won plenty of possession. Although Portadown stuck to their task but just could not create enough opportunities.

Larne went ahead early on in the first half when Ryan Maybin raced to the line for Stuart McIlwaine to convert.

The visitors also scored the second try although it was a rather controversial one. Following a kick through and a race to the line, a Portadown defender appeared to touch down just ahead of Alex Christie, but the try was awarded to the Ulster Schools’ open side flanker.

So Larne led 12-0 at half-time but the home side managed to fight back with a well deserved score. Following several phases the defence were dragged in and winger Andrew Laverty took advantage to go in at the corner.

At this stage it was anybody's game, but just after the restart winger Lee Miller put Larne further in front with a well taken try.

In the closing minutes the Co Antrim team put the issue be

yond doubt when quick ball 20 metres out allowed substitute Brian Blair to break through a couple of tackles to score for McIlwaine to convert. Larne now travel to the winners of the Dungannon v Portora encounter.

Johnny Lowe, the Larne coach, was thrilled with how his side used the ball in hand.

He admitted: “We were physically bigger and able to control the possession while Portadown struggled to break the gain line.”

Portadown coach Andrew Symington thought Larne were the better team on the day.

He said: “They will surprise a lot of teams with their solid pack and could go a long way.”

Portadown College: L Adamson, A Laverty, G Jardine, S Hyde, C Wright, R Hoey, M Robinson, S Cochrane, D Meek, J Graham, D Alexander (capt), A Nixon, C Liggett, M Beggs, R Saunders.

Larne Grammar: G Mills, L Miller, N Barry, S McIlwaine, A McBride, C Aston, M McCullough, M Knox, R Maybin, D Garstin, J Agnew, T Saunders, B Brown, A Christie, D Swann.

Referee: A McGowan