Coleraine held to draw with C.I.Y.M.S

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All square in the top of the table clash as Bannsiders remain unbeaten but miss the chance to go top of the division

Coleraine continued their unbeaten record in the league with a draw away to CIYMS on Saturday.

The visitors were disappointed not to come away with a win but glad to retain their unbeaten status. It means Coleraine lie in second place in the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship league, one point behind CIYMS and one in front of both Limavady and Academy, a situation which promises many exciting games to come in the New Year.

While the squad enjoy Christmas they will have a close eye on the next big game, entertaining Limavady on New Year’s Eve. Again this could be a pivotal fixture in terms of the outcome of this year’s league.

Speaking after Saturday’s game, Coleraine coach Richard Boyd said: “The squad are obviously disappointed not to get a win today but the most important thing is that we went to CI and are still undefeated with a game in hand.

“I thought it was an excellent game of rugby and credit to both sides for the way the game was approached and the quality of rugby on show.

“We needed to be more clinical in the first half and we missed a great opportunity early on to score a try and then a missed penalty that would have given us an invaluable 10 points lead. We also had two tries disallowed for offside and a double movement.

“I was delighted with the attitude of the boys and I am glad they were disappointed at the end because it shows how much they care and that they knew the game was there for the taking.

“Our defence has been outstanding so far this season and we kept CI at bay for the majority of the game. I thought that we were unlucky to be on the wrong end of a few decisions and CI pounced on one of their few opportunities in the game.

“However, a moment of brilliance from Alan Clarke ensured we took a share of the spoils and go into Christmas unbeaten.

“The boys are looking forward to a well-deserved rest and break from rugby this week and we will return to training fully focused, refreshed and prepared for the exciting local derby against a much improved Limavady team on New Year’s Eve.”

In the game itself Coleraine made most of the running in the first half and missed out on two scoring opportunities, spilling the ball close to the try line and then having a try disallowed. Coleraine also missed a penalty opportunity after ten minutes and the sides were even on nil-all at the break.

On the restart CI went on the offensive immediately and within two minutes their forwards stormed the Coleraine lines and scored a converted try.

Undeterred, the visitors went on the attack and a short time later Alan Clarke cut a clever line through the home defence to run away and score under the posts. He also converted levelling the score at 7-all.

With half an hour gone Rory Strang took a long range penalty attempt but the ball fell short. Both sides battled gamely throughout the half but there were no further scores.

In other games at the weekend Coleraine Seconds travelled to Portadown in the league and had a very satisfying 5-6 victory. In the cup, Coleraine Thirds lost out to a strong Ballymoney Fours, 41-0.

During the Christmas break the big games will come on Boxing Day with the Tweed Cup between Coleraine and Ballymoney being played at Ballymoney. The Robinson Cup will also be contested between Coleraine Thirds and Ballymoney Fourths.

On New Year’s Eve Coleraine Firsts are at home to Limavady Firsts in the league and the Seconds entertain Larne Seconds.

Coleraine Rugby Football and Cricket Club wish all sponsors, friends and members a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Coleraine First XV: M Ferguson, D Greatorex, C Nash, DD McAllister, J Christie, R Bonnar, S Dickey, B Hughes, R McAuley, B Carstens, N Irwin, A Parke, M Poskitt, A Clarke, R Strang. Subs: B Cochrane, J Blair.

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