Coleraine prove to be too strong for Queen’s Seconds

The home side took control from the start of the game and despite some very spirited rugby from the visitors they could not find a way to make a definite impression on the match.

Yet again in this league Coleraine ended the game with only 14 men, the rules not allowing replacements.

In the game Stevie Callaghan got the first try, unconverted, on five minutes but ten minutes later he was yellow carded. Coleraine faced further trials as Andy Marks suffered an ankle injury which resulted in him having to leave the game. Queens scored a converted try a few minutes later but Dijon McCorkell crossed the line for a fine try, Mikey Poskitt, captain for the game, converting.

Not content with one try McCorkell went in for a second, under the posts. Poskitt was on target again.

In the final move of the half Brian Cochrane showed an amazing turn of speed as he evaded all attempts to stop him in a solo dash from his own 22. Again Poskitt obliged.

On the restart Queens scored straight away, the conversion missing target. Bokie Carstens was the next up to score, breaking through to touch down under the posts. Poskitt converted.

Queens yet again stepped up a notch and put the home side under pressure for a period but only managed three points from a drop goal.

Andrew McKnight got onto the scorecard next with a strong run from the Queens 22, Poskitt converting. The final score went to Callaghan again with an incisive attack started by Carstens and Cochrane. Poskitt converted.

Speaking after the game coach Richard Boyd said: “I was delighted with the overall performance.

“I thought Dijon McCorkell and Daniel Ramage stood out in the forwards with some powerful running. Andrew McKnight and Mikey Poskitt are beginning to develop a sound partnership in the centre of the park.

“Although we scored seven well worked tries today, the most pleasing aspect for me was our defensive efforts and the discipline which we have been striving to improve upon over recent weeks.

“We need to keep working hard at training as we have a big couple of months ahead. Next week gives us a final opportunity to work on our game plan and tweak things. I believe we have approached the new league format with a positive attitude and it has benefited us.

“However, I feel very strongly that the Ulster Branch really needs to address the issue of no replacements in the Conference League. That was the third game in a row we have finished with 14 players or less and I feel the situation diminishes the league.”

Other scores from Saturday were Clogher Valley 2s 40-0 Coleraine 2s and Coleraine 3s 26-14 Antrim. On Sunday Coleraine Cobras Ladies team had a great battle with Queens 2s Ladies, losing out 31-17 but showing a steady improvement as the season continues.

This weekend the Firsts are away to Malone 2s, the Seconds are at home to Omagh 3s and the Thirds are away to Malone 5s.