RUGBY: Coleraine are rock bottom

The Bannsiders lost 3-16 at Sandel Lodge Park in their first competitive match since early December and their first league match of the year.

The result put Enniskillen ahead of Coleraine in the Kukri Qualifying League and worse was to come with Limavady's weekend win propelling them one point clear of Coleraine, who are now bottom of the league. On a more positive note Coleraine have a one match advantage over Limavady and two over Enniskillen, so there is everything still to play for.

Speaking to Times Sport on Monday, Coleraine coach Richard Kernohan struggled to find some positives about the game. He said: "When we had the ball we played some reasonably good rugby but we simply gave away far too many penalties.

"I reckon we gave away 22 penalties during the match compared to Enniskillen's four. We can't expect to win games if we fail so badly at reading the game and the referee's viewpoint.

"We made some good ground only to give the advantage straight back to Enniskillen. We made basic mistakes and we failed to finish off any promising moves."

In the match itself the visitors scored first with a penalty on 10 minutes and Coleraine evened the score with an Archie Kettyle penalty on 20 minutes. Despite Conor Smyth being shown a yellow card for persistent offside, and a penalty attempt from the halfway line by Adam Parke falling short, the half time score was three-all.

In the second half Enniskillen took the lead despite most of the pressure coming from Coleraine. On 20 minutes they claimed three points from another penalty and 12 minutes later repeated the performance.

In the final phases of the game Coleraine forced their way to the visitor's line only to be penalised and, in a frustrating series of plays, they were pushed back to their own 22. In the final minutes of the match Enniskillen broke through the Coleraine defence to score a converted try, the final score 3-16.

Richard Kernohan drew some positives from the game as he looked forward to the Ballymoney league game this weekend. He said: "We made basic mistakes against Enniskillen, gave away penalties and that will be the subject of some in depth discussion during training this week.

"It was good to see players like Neil Montgomery and Tommy Van Wyk coming back from injury and getting some game time. We also saw Steven McKenzie return to the side at full back. Steven Dickey and Johnny Gault should also soon be available again.

"We did well when we had possession but we have to watch our discipline. We are at the bottom of the league and facing possible relegation. Every game will now be a fight to make sure we stay up.

"Ballymoney have been going very well this season and it will be a big match for us this week. I know we have the ability and determination to win and it will be up to the team on the day to come up with the goods.”

The start of the game was marked with a minute's silence in memory of Derek Love, former player, coach and twice president of the club, who passed away on January 3.

Elsewhere in the club the Seconds triumphed over Lisburn Thirds, 5-22. At Coleraine the Fourths, including the father and son combination of David and Chris Barber, ran out 38-0 winners against Enniskillen Thirds.

A large crowd is expected at Coleraine for the Kukri League match against Ballymoney on Saturday, January 23, kick-off 2.30pm.

Coleraine: S Jefferson, N Montgomery, L George, B Marian, P Bogle, R Caskey, C Smyth, J Christie, P Roxborough, A Kettyle, D Smyth, T Van Wyk, A Parke, N Hall, S McKenzie. Subs: S Bartlett, M Hayes.