Vital win for Firsts

The result moves Coleraine off the bottom of the Kukri Qualifying League, two points clear of Enniskillen and with one match in hand. A win in the remaining match away to Ballymoney, a game now scheduled to be played on Friday, April 16, would lift the Bannsiders clear of Bangor, presently three points ahead.

That result would give the ideal end to the season and finally secure Coleraine from relegation. If they remain in second last place there is still a possibility of disappointment depending on the fate of City of Derry and Portadown in the play offs for promotion or relegation from the All-Ireland League.

Speaking after Saturday’s match Coleraine coach Richard Kernohan told Times Sport: “This was a very good result for us. We had a positive mindset from the beginning and that is what we will have to find on Friday evening.

“Ballymoney will be looking for another win on Friday night but we will be focussing on the job in hand, sticking to our plan. We played well and got the result at Dromore and against Clogher Valley and now we want the same against Ballymoney. For now it is back to the drawing board and a lot of hard work in training this week.

“Given our recent form we would be hugely unlucky if we were to go down. If we can get a win we will go above Bangor and out of any relegation danger.

“Portadown and City of Derry still have matches to play to decide on potential relegation and promotion. A win this weekend would lift us clear of the potential fall out from those games.

“On the plus side we have a full panel of players to choose from and very few injury worries. The boys are all up for the game and I know they will be giving 100 percent.

“As it is a local derby hopefully there will be a big Coleraine support to cheer us on and give us that boost at Ballymoney on Friday evening. The match is due to start at 6.00pm.”

On Saturday the Coleraine side put in a very strong performance, attacking Clogher Valley persistently but also putting in some great defensive work. After a faltering start the Coleraine pack showed their strength and dominated much of the play, the backline showing their attacking and defensive capabilities.

In the match itself Clogher Valley came out strongly and within eight minutes claimed the first points from a quick penalty deep in Coleraine territory, scoring beside the posts and securing seven points.

The visitors kept the pressure on and four minutes later took full advantage when Coleraine lost possession in midfield. They chipped forward and gathered a fortunate bounce to sprint over the line. The conversion missed.

Coleraine were galvanised into action and persistent attack saw Clogher Valley penalised and a player yellow carded as the Coleraine forwards reached the line. The quick penalty saw Paul Roxborough burrow his way past the defence beside the posts for five points. Michael Griffith picked up the extras.

Griffith was on target a short time later when he picked up three points from a 30 metre penalty.

With half an hour gone Coleraine were again camped on the Clogher Valley line. The continuous pressure yielded a penalty and from a quick tap Dennis Taylor powered over the line. Griffith converted.

In the second half Coleraine continued the pressure and a series of concerted attacks ended with a 25 metre penalty for Griffith and another three points. A powerful break from Nigel Hall on the wing almost created a score and a penalty on the wing from Griffith just slipped wide of the posts.

In the final minutes of the game Coleraine were again camped on the Clogher Valley line when Roxborough brought several attacking forward phases to an end with a clever drop goal and three points.

The final play of the game almost saw another try when Steven Patterson made a break through the centre, passing to Gareth Cochrane only to see the ball held up as he crossed the line.

At the final whistle Coleraine won 23-12, netting four points and moving two points clear of Enniskillen at the bottom of the league.

Coleraine travel to Ballymoney for the final league match of the season on Friday evening (April 16), kick off set for 6.00pm. Large crowds are expected for what will undoubtedly be one of the most tightly contested matches of the season. Come along and support your local team – whichever it may be.

Coleraine First XV: L George, M Hunter, S Jefferson (S Bartlett), J Gault, B Butugan (P Bogle), G Cochrane, J Cromie, D Taylor, P Roxborough, M Griffith, D Smyth, S Patterson, C McNay, P Shiels. Subs: S Bartlett, P Bogle.