News

22/12/2008 : Coleraine and Ballymoney in Christmas Cracker

THIS Saturday will see the much-awaited Kukri Qualifying League holiday clash between Ballymoney and Coleraine.

Dust off your Christmas blues and join the crowd for what promises to be the match of the year at Ballymoney.

The Coleraine players want your support, so lets show them how noisy we can be!!!!

And remember there will be live entertainment in the bar at Coleraine on Saturday afternoon.

Local derbies between the two clubs are always massive occasions - but Coleraine coach Richard Kernohan believes his team are up for the challenge.
When the two sides met earlier in the season Coleraine made full use of their home advantage to win 25-6 and claim back the Tweed Cup. Now, the post-Christmas special at Ballymoney will see the advantage go to them.
Richard said: “We beat Ballymoney the last time we met but we are under no illusions. This will be a tight match.
“We are trying to avoid the hype that can surround such games and our approach will be that this is just another match. But it’s one we will want to win to consolidate third place in the league.
“We will really need to be on our game on the day, especially if Ballymoney hit form at the same time.”
Richard should have an almost full squad to choose from. He said: “We hope to have our captain Leslie George back in action for the Ballymoney game. His ankle injury is recovering and he should be available to start.
“On the downside we will be without Dennis Taylor. He is jetting off on his honeymoon that day. We couldn’t persuade him to play before he went!
“Chris Holmes is looking doubtful after injuring his ankle at Armagh but Colin McNay was back into the side last week after injury
“We have good depth in the squad at the moment and that showed last week at Armagh. It was great to see Gareth Cochrane back at short notice and his performance was very influential. Tommy Van Wyk also had a great game.
“We have the potential to win this match and we will be going all out to do that. But we will need help
“The boys will be depending on a big, noisy Coleraine support. Everybody will be off for the holiday and what better excuse to get out of the house for a few hours - great game of rugby.
“It’s up to the performance on the day but we are in there to win it.”
The match at Ballymoney kicks off at 2.30pm.