Rugby: Derby honours for Coleraine

In a hard fought match both sides had their chances but Coleraine kept their composure and concentration to make sure of the win. Ballymoney were disappointed, but a loser's bonus point was some consolation.

Speaking after the match coach Richard Kernohan said: "It was a good performance from the Coleraine side; a good well controlled game.

"It was a real team effort. We made fewer mistakes than in previous matches and that was critical for us

"Our performance was more dominant than perhaps the scoreline suggests. We played smart and showed some very good decision making.

"The final five minutes showed how our game has matured. We kept control and made sure that there were no mistakes.

"Now the push must go on and we have to continue to make progress with every game. We have to put the foot down and show that we are indeed a force to be reckoned with."

Looking forward to this week's match away to Bangor, Richard said: "If we are going to do what we want to do this season we have to continue the progression of the last few weeks. We have to dominate and control our game this week and get a good result.

"Every game from here on in is equally difficult and important and we will be working hard in training to make sure we give the best we can every week."

There will be some enforced changes for the Bangor game with the Patterson brothers out of action in the back row and Leslie George still doubtful for a return from injury. Against that there are still a number of exciting options open to the coaches as they juggle with the squad line-up.

On Saturday the game against Ballymoney was played in bright conditions and both teams were eager to make the most of the firm playing surface, suited to an attacking and expansive style

The first points came to Coleraine within two minutes. A forceful attack saw Ballymoney concede a penalty 25 metres from the line.

Scrum half Phil Coulter made no mistakes and claimed three points. The visitors missed a penalty five minutes later.

With 15 minutes on the clock Coleraine attacked deep into the Ballymoney 22. Good attacking play from the forwards and neat handling across the backs saw Neil Patterson sprint over the line to score, Coulter's conversion drifting just wide.

Then it was Ballymoney's turn to put on the pressure. James Cleland started the scoring with a 35 metre penalty and a few minutes later Hanna scored in the corner. The difficult conversion was off-target and the scores were level at 8-8.

As the first half came to an end a Ballymoney forward was sin-binned for ten minutes and Coleraine took the opportunity to force another penalty, Coulter again on target for three points.

The visitors had another penalty opportunity at the break but failed to get points.

Half-time score:Coleraine 11 Ballymoney 8.

Five minutes from the restart Peter Bogle was shown the yellow card for an infringement 15 metres from his own line. Cleland claimed the three points.

Ten minutes into the half Coleraine moved relentlessly towards the Ballymoney line setting Bernard Mullan up for the final burst through the defence and a well worked try. Coulter was on target for the extra two points.

Two more penalties completed the scoring, Cleland for Ballymoney on 16 minutes and Coulter on 23 minutes.

The final period saw Coleraine weather some heavy Ballymoney pressure, but the defence held strong.

Working from their own five metre line Coleraine showed greta discipline as they steadily pushed Ballymoney back into their own half and the final whistle saw the Tweed Cup and valuable league points coming to Coleraine.

In other games the scores were Enniskillen Seconds 3 Coleraine Seconds 13, Coleraine Thirds 58 Belfast Harlequins Thirds 0, Cooke Thirds 26 Coleraine Fourths 0 and Coleraine Fifths 0 Armoy 62.

This Saturday, October 9, Coleraine are away to Bangor in the league.

Coleraine: J Carey, N Montgomery, A Gaston, P Bogle, J Gault, R Gibson, B Mullan, S Dickey, P Coulter, G Jordan, J Henderson, N Patterson, S Simpson, S Patterson, B Cochrane. Subs: A Hogg, P Shiels.

Report: Milne Rowntree