RUGBY: Fourths pick up deserved win

Coleraine edged the first half taking an early lead through a Michael Curtis penalty. Play was evenly contested until a burst of scoring in the last ten minutes of the half left the home team further ahead.

First Mark McAfee and Michael Thompson exchanged passes for McAfee to score under the posts with Curtis converting.

Banbridge came back with a strong solo run from half way through some pretty weak defending for an unconverted try and there was still time for McAfee, who was impressive throughout the game, to score a fine individual try- running, kicking ahead, picking up and scoring in the corner to leave the half time score 15-5.

The second half was tight and after the visitors closed the gap to 15-10 with another breakaway try by their left wing it could have gone either way as both sides wilted in the unseasonably hot sun.

However, after Banbridge had missed a kickable penalty, Coleraine's forwards began to take control and following a 20 metre rolling maul inside their own half and pick up and charge, lead by Ewan Scott, the pack took play to the opposition line where Roy Dickson was up in support to go over for the try which was well converted again by full back Curtis, leaving the final score 22-10.