Coleraine Over-35's in final glory at Ballyclare

A select side was chosen for the game. With the many years of experience Coleraine brought to the match, and the support of a loyal band of supporters, there was only ever going to be one outcome.

The Bannsiders came back from the wrong side of a half-time scoreline of 12-0 to clinch the tournament 12-17. The half-time talk and a few strategic substitutions made all the difference to the visitors and they controlled play throughout the second period.

Over 35s manager Brian Kneeland said after the match: “It was a very hard, physical game but we started to dominate proceedings after the break. Our forwards got the better of things and set up scoring plays for the backs.

“Both sides put in a strong performance but the superior fitness in the Coleraine side saw us through in the end.”

In the first half Ballyclare took control after two breakaway tries, one converted. Coleraine were never far away but the home side took better advantage of their opportunities.

In the second half, Coleraine came to the fore. The first score went to Johnny Kirkpatrick storming through the defence and over the line for five points. The conversion went just wide from a difficult angle.

The second try came from Trevor Jackson when he used his superior strength to get over the try line. The conversion was just off-target.

The final score came from full-back David Barber, making the most of his opportunity to score near the posts and then convert for a further two points. The final score Ballyclare 12 Coleraine 17.

There were great performances from all the players. Robby Millar, Mark Nicholl, George Neely, John Boyd were particularly hard working and Coleraine’s man of the match went to Paul Campbell for his performance at scrum half.