Match Reports

Saturday 19th of November

Under 15's vs Ballymena

The Under 15s improvement continues as they put up a spirited display against runaway league leaders Ballymena at Coleraine.
 
The recent heavy rain left the pitch sodden but the rugby both teams served up was of the highest quality. In a tense first half Coleraine with neither team giving an inch the deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute when after a series of forward drives by Ballymena the ball was moved wide to their centre who ran in unopposed. A second try followed soon after leaving the half time score 10-0 to Ballymena.
 
The second half followed suit and but for some unforced errors Coleraine would surely have scored. These missed chances cost Coleraine dearly and three trys were conceded in the last 15 minutes to leave the final score 27-0 in Ballymena favour.
 
Considering this side lost to Ballymena by over 70 point a few weeks ago it shows the level of improvement of this talented young side. The pack performed manfully and again the back row of George Magee, Stewart McCay and Thomas Moore held their own against the huge Ballymena back row. Ben Regan Bryan in the second row in only his first season continues to develop well. The backline saw the welcome return of Daniel Scott at outside half, his performance particularly in defence was outstanding and in attack we saw signs of his elusive running. Kyle Walker at centre continues to impress. The man of the match was winger Adam Howard whose agression in defence and never say die attitude kept the talented left wing of Ballymena quiet. Coaches Jim Wilmont and Gary McLaughlin are really thrilled about how much this side are improving and the turnout and great attitude and they are showing at training, and they firmly believe good days are ahead.

Under 17's vs Ballymena.

The u17 game against Ballymena was played with a number of unfamiliar additions to the squad as some new and some experienced players played for the first time together. Special thanks go to Connor Simpson, Simon Mclean and Jason Balmer for stepping in for this fixture.

The game started poorly for Coleraine with a try was a scored in the opening ten minutes. Despite this Coleraine lifted to bring a determined and sustained period of attack which kept them in Ballymena’s half for much of the first half. This was helped by a poorly disciplined Ballymena side conceding numerous penalties. Unfortunately for the home side this period of pressure did not result in points despite several opportunities presenting themselves. The half time whistle sounded with the score line at 12-0 and the team feeling that they were completing well and had only conceded from momentary lapses.

The second half began with the Coleraine side failing to fire quickly and again suffered a score against them. Following a spirited team talk Coleraine then struck back immediately with clever running and evasion from Jack McGonigle setting up a rampaging Connor Simpson for a try. Unfortunately Coleraine could not maintain this momentum and did not score again in a frustrating second half. However opportunities did present themselves with several more powerful runs from both Connor Simpson and Simon Mclean and a clever kick behind the opposition’s defensive line from Hamish Wilkinson which was almost re-gathered by Jack McGonigle. As it was Ballymena were forced to put it into touch.

New players too the side Connor and Matthew put in a fine performance and promise to prove invaluable to the side.

Special mention in the backs must be given to Simon Mclean for hard running and dedicated tackling. Jack McGonigle was also impressive with his usual elusive running-helped by the quick initiative taken by Jason Balmer with a series of quick penalties, keeping Ballymena constantly on the back foot.

In the forwards Connor Simpson stood out for his powerful tackling and destructive ball running. Also impressive was Mark Bradleys impressive hooking and retention of the ball in a scrum despite the power of the Ballymena pack. Finally, also impressive was Hamish Wilkinson with a number of crucial steals at the breakdown.

Man of the Match was undoubtedly Connor Simpson as he put his body on the line countless times-not least with the squads only try.