Firsts remain top of League Two after win

Coleraine remain top of Conference League 2 after a convincing performance against Belfast Harlequins 2s.
Stephen Dickey grounding the ball over the Quins line for his third try of the match. Photo by David McDonaldStephen Dickey grounding the ball over the Quins line for his third try of the match. Photo by David McDonald
Stephen Dickey grounding the ball over the Quins line for his third try of the match. Photo by David McDonald

Speaking after the game, Coleraine head coach Richard Boyd said: “I am very pleased with the performance today and delighted to get another bonus point win. Harlequins were big, physical and were bolstered by a number of First team players as they had no game, so we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task.

“We had to withstand a lot of pressure in the first twenty minutes and I was pleased with our work-rate and discipline to stop Quins getting over our line throughout the game.

“We really grew into the game and showed good patience to grind Quins down and were more clinical today than in recent games.

Coleraine's Niall Irwin is stopped just short of the Quins line. Photo by David McDonald.Coleraine's Niall Irwin is stopped just short of the Quins line. Photo by David McDonald.
Coleraine's Niall Irwin is stopped just short of the Quins line. Photo by David McDonald.

“I thought Steven Dickey had an excellent game and lead from the front in both attack and defence and was well backed up by the pack who delivered a powerful and tireless display all afternoon.

“In the backs it was great to see Rory Strang return to the pitch after a long lay-off and I thought our back three looked a constant threat all day.

“Overall I am delighted with the work rate and attitude of the boys over the past four months.

“To be sitting joint top of the Kukri Championship League and the Conference League as well as having a cup quarter final to look forward to is a reflection of their commitment to training and hunger to constantly improve.

Coleraine's Niall Irwin is stopped just short of the Quins line. Photo by David McDonald.Coleraine's Niall Irwin is stopped just short of the Quins line. Photo by David McDonald.
Coleraine's Niall Irwin is stopped just short of the Quins line. Photo by David McDonald.

“We have a welcome rest next Saturday and we will use this week to recharge the batteries, freshen up and look forward to the challenge of a strong Ballyclare side on the 5th November.”

Coach Richard Boyd was very happy with the performance of the players.

He said: “Steven Dickey was Man of the Match with three tries as just reward for his immense work-rate whilst Alan Clarke kicked very well and had a number of strong runs.

“Other key performances were from Rory Strang, with two tries to mark his successful return from a long injury lay-off, and Niall Irwin who is on excellent form at present and was a constant threat with ball in hand today.”

In other matches the scores were Omagh 3s 20-3 Coleraine 2s and Coleraine 3s outclassed Ophir 2s.

This weekend the only rugby action is for the Seconds, home to Dromore Seconds.

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