By Staff Reporter
Coleraine reinforced their control of the Ulster Rugby Championship, Div 2, with another bonus point win against Lisburn on Saturday.
The bonus point increased the team's lead to 14 points with three games to go and the 54-0 victory sets up a fascinating contest this weekend when Coleraine travel to third placed Grosvenor in Belfast. A win would effectively sew up the competition and secure promotion for Coleraine next season.
Speaking after the game Coleraine's Head Coach, Richard Boyd, said: "I am delighted with the result and performance today against a big and physical Lisburn side who fought hard right to the end.
"We set out to be more patient today and not force things like we have in previous weeks. I thought this was one of our best performances this season and we really got into our groove with some really clinical finishing.
"I thought the pack laid the foundations for the win with a solid set piece and some good go-forward ball. The backs really stepped up today and in poor underfoot conditions played some exciting rugby.
"Man of the match was Rory Strang who had an excellent game at out half. He really grew in confidence as the game went on, which was great to see.
"The squad are fully focused on the tough challenge ahead next week against an in-form Grosvenor side. I thought the score flattered us when we met earlier in the season and they have a number of threats for us to contend with.
"We should be at full strength for the game and we will travel with confidence after today's performance."
In the game on Saturday, Coleraine were dominant throughout and despite a spirited performance Lisburn had no answer to the home side's onslaught.
The first half saw Coleraine captain, Mikey Poskitt, claim the first three points from a converted penalty. 3-0
The first try came when David Greatorex made the decisive break before passing to Roger Bonnar for an unconverted try in the corner. 8-0
The next points also came from Poskitt with a well struck penalty. 11-0
A try from scrum half Rhys McAuley came after a clever break from the Lisburn 22, converted by Poskitt. 18-0
The final score of the first half went to Brian Hughes, charging across the line from a quick penalty. Poskitt converted. 25-0
In the second half saw more attacking play from the home side.
Steven Dickey scored after a well controlled rolling maul brought the pack to the Lisburn line. The conversion was just wide. 30-0
Next up the backs were to the fore, the ball passed about with accuracy in a fast paced attack, Poskitt getting the final pass and the unconverted try. 35-0
Hughes was instrumental in the next score, making a break from the Lisburn 22 before going to ground five metres out and popping the ball smartly to Rhys McAuley for the try. 40-0
Newcomer Peter Wisener made the next break from the Lisburn 22, passing to the supporting Rhys McAuley five metres out for the try. Poskitt converted. 47-0
The final score came when Rory Strang sliced through the opposition, evading all attempted tackles and scoring under the posts. Poskitt was again on target with the conversion, bringing the final score to 54-0.
The Seconds game against Larne was rained off on Saturday whilst the Thirds claimed a 36-12 win away to Rainey Thirds.
This weekend Coleraine Firsts are away to Grosvenor, the Seconds are home to Omagh 3s and the Thirds are home to Larne Thirds.
Coleraine First XV:
D McCorkell, D Greatorex, J Blair, M Ferguson, J Christie, R Bonnar, S Dickey, B Hughes, R McAuley, B Strang, S Callaghan, K McAuley, M Poskitt, A Clarke, B Cochrane. Subs: C Nash, P Wisener