Firsts pick up great win over Academy

It was an impressive performance and especially so with last minute issues forcing positional changes for the ‘Cookstown’ sponsored home side, which, on the day, worked very well.

In the scrum Academy had the stronger front five but good work by the forwards and some impressive backline play proved to be the winning combination for Coleraine.

In the match the first points went to Coleraine on 10 minutes. Attacking from a quick penalty 20 metres out, the ball went to Coleraine captain Steven Dickey who scored beneath the posts. David Andrews was on target and converted. 7-0

The visitors responded with a strong attack and two minutes later Coleraine yielded a penalty. Academy scored bringing the score to 7-3.

With 25 minutes on the clock, Nial Irwin made a break from his own half, linking with Brian Cochrane who collected a well timed pass 20 metres out and scored. The conversion was just wide. 12-3

Coleraine were asserting their authority on the game and scored again from the restart with what was probably the best try of the day. Paul Roxborough made the break down the wing, supported by Mikey Poskitt. The ball changed hands at least twice, both players passing and supporting with Poskitt getting the final touch and the score. The conversion made it 19-3.

Coleraine scored again on 36 minutes. Andrews made a great break through the centre supported by Irwin. From the ensuing ruck Adam Parke threw a wide pass to Poskitt, setting him up to score in corner. The conversion went wide. 24-3

The home side kept the pressure on and before the break Coleraine claimed three points from a penalty and Irwin ran in a great try, bringing the half-time score to 32-3.

At the break Chris Breadon replaced Willie Chestnutt and Jonny Dillon replaced Bradon Baillie.

In the second half of the game Academy worked hard and on 20 minutes their more dominant scrum created the opportunity for a converted try.

Coleraine were not yet done and five minutes later Roxborough and Andrews made the most of a return kick link with Andrews getting the score beneath the posts. The conversion brought the score to 39-10.

In the last ten minutes Academy scored a breakaway try finalising the score at 39-17.

In the weekend’s other fixture Coleraine Seconds lost out narrowly to Instonians Seconds 8-12.

This weekend the Firsts are away to Enniskillen, the Seconds are away to Omagh Seconds and the Thirds are at home to Ards Thirds.

In a special charity event on Sunday the visiting Perennials team will take on a Coleraine Select team at 2.30pm.

Coleraine Rugby welcomes all members, friends and visitors along to watch all of the weekend games and lend your support to the players.