RUGBY: Raring to go!

The preparations have been made and the squad are ready to go. Now what they want is your support at the big game.

Club president Dennis McCrum has been leading the call for support in the Cup final. He said: “Everyone in the club is looking forward to the trip to Ravenhill for the Crawford Cup final.

“We all wish the team good luck and now we want as many members, friends and supporters as possible to make the journey to Ravenhill and cheer the boys on. What a way to round of my year as president; let’s end it on a real high”

Dennis echoed the thoughts of all club members when he said: “The Seconds getting to the final of the Crawford Cup and the Thirds reaching the semi of the same cup shows the depth and strength of rugby in Coleraine. It augurs really well for the future.”

Club coach Richard Kernohan has high hopes. He said: “I am very optimistic for the final and I wish the team well.

“Mark Giffin has done a great job bringing the team together since the start of the season and the team spirit is very high. It’s going to be a great day out for the whole club.”

The Second’s visit to Ravenhill tops off what by any standards has been a very successful year for the team as they are also well placed to take the league.

Second fifteen coach Mark Giffin can’t wait for the big day in Ravenhill.

He said: “I am proud of the guys for getting to the final. They deserve it but the job’s not done yet.

“I am gutted for those players who will miss out due to injury - Richard Glover, Harry Tate and Davy Allen – and those who I am unable to fit into the team - Gareth Cochrane and Mark Hayes. They all deserve to be there.

“I would like to thank the other teams in the club for their support, the Firsts, the Fourths and especially the Thirds who have had a brilliant year and were unlucky not to be joining us in the final.

“We are ready to go and we are asking all our supporters to make the trip to Ravenhill to cheer us on one last time.”