Coleraine on form to see off league leaders Larne on the road

The weather was wet and windy and conditions underfoot were difficult but the Bannsiders dominated most of the exchanges and came away the better with a 0-16 score-line.

Indiscipline amongst the Larne side cost them dearly and throughout the match the Coleraine men looked composed and took control. The result was rarely in doubt.

After the game coach Richard Boyd praised the Coleraine side’s composure and performance. He said: “To win away against top of the table Larne today was just outstanding.

“Our backs have a lot of plaudits this past while but today the most important thing was that our pack stood up and did it. Our discipline has been questioned in the past and we have really improved upon that and to concede only five penalties down here was an outstanding effort.”

Looking forward he said: “This was just another win and we have Academy next week at home and hopefully we can keep this run going. Training has been excellent.

“To have ones, twos and threes win today, this club is moving forward. We’ve just got to keep it going.”

In the game itself both sides had to contend with dark, cold, windy and wet conditions.

The first points came to Coleraine from the boot of captain Mikey Poskitt, slotting a penalty between the posts with 12 minutes on the clock. Ten minutes later another penalty came after a late tackle but the difficult angle saw Poskitt’s ball drift just inches wide.

As the visitors piled on the pressure another penalty opportunity was presented within a minute and Poskitt was on target from 35 metres. Two minutes later Poskitt had another attempt from the halfway line but it fell short.

As Larne attacked from the restart a repeat infringement saw their hooker yellow carded and Coleraine began a period of intense pressure. Despite the numerical advantage the visitors were unable to increase the score which at half-time was 0-6

The second half saw Coleraine maintain the pressure and 12 minutes into the half, following a strong series of attacking phases, Bokkie Carstens chipped forward to breach the defensive line, Poskitt gathering and then popping the ball to a charging Andrew McKnight and a score under the posts. Poskitt claimed the extras.

In the final ten minutes Larne again gave away a penalty, allowing Poskitt to claim the final three points of the match from a 30 metre kick. The final score Larne 0-16 Coleraine.

In other games on Saturday the scores were Coleraine 2s 34-21 Ards 2s and Larne 3s 12-20 Coleraine 3s.

This weekend Coleraine 1s entertain Academy, as do the Thirds. The 2s are away to Dromore Seconds.