Victory over Students leaves Coleraine in pole position

Coleraine produced a dominant bonus point win over their Ulster University neighbours on Saturday, to open up a 13 point lead in the League.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Mar 2017, 08:11 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:19 BST
Coleraine captain Poskitt gets a big hit on his opposite number. Photo by David McDonald.Coleraine captain Poskitt gets a big hit on his opposite number. Photo by David McDonald.
Coleraine captain Poskitt gets a big hit on his opposite number. Photo by David McDonald.

The 29-3 victory leaves the ‘Cookstown’ sponsored side well clear of closest rivals CIYMS in the race for the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship, Division 2, title and promotion to Division 1 next season.

With four games to go in the league, Coleraine will now focus on clinical performances to clinch the matter, the final game being a home fixture with Randalstown.

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Speaking after the game Coleraine coach Richard Boyd said he was pleased with the victory and the extra point but is all too aware that there is still some distance to go. CIYMS are a strong side and will be looking for some bonus point wins to close the gap – and hoping that Coleraine falter in their progress.

In the game on Saturday Coleraine struck with 17 minutes on the clock, captain Mikey Poskitt slicing through the visiting defence before passing to the supporting Brian Cochrane for a score in the corner. Alan Clarke saw his well-judged kick from an awkward angle drift just off target. 5-0

Four minutes later it was Clarke who made the final yards to score the second try. Poskitt was on target for the extras. 12-0

The University went on the attack and after a strong challenge they took advantage of a penalty decision to pick up three points from 25 metres. 12-3

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Ten minutes later Coleraine were again piling on the pressure and the stretched Uni defence were heavily penalised for infringements near the line. A penalty try was awarded and converted. 19-3

After the break the students attacked solidly and it was 20 minutes before the next score. Coleraine No8 Brian Hughes, working from the back of the ruck, crossed the line in the corner for an unconverted try. 24-3

The final try went to Rory Strang who sliced through the defence following a concerted forwards assault on the Uni lines. The conversion went wide leaving the final score-line Coleraine 29-3 Ulster University Coleraine.

This week the Firsts entertain Lisburn in the league, the Seconds travel to Larne and the Thirds are away to Rainey.

Related topics:ColeraineStudentsThe University