Ballymoney 3s take the victory in local Derby to claim League points and the Robinson cup

Ballymoney 3XV welcomed Coleraine 2XV to Kilraughts Road for a League and Cup double header. Coleraine, buoyant from their win away to Letterkenny last week, and the Ballymoney 3XV, looking to right the wrongs from last week against Limavady.

Those who came out to watch the local Derby were promised at least entertainment and it didn't take long for the 1st score. Ballymoney kicked off, playing away from the club. Coleraine caught the ball driving straight up the middle, setting up the maul to clear deep into Ballymoney half. The ball was taken clean by Mark McNeill keeping the ball in touch before setting off, beating the 1st man for pace, dummied the second supported by the very green Neil Campbell giving the option on the inside One final dummy seen Mark clear to score the opening try 4 mins on the clock converted by Ruari Hawthorne.

The game then flowed back and forward with both sides trying to push for dominance. The second try of the game came from the training park. Penalty to Ballymoney kicking deep into the corner, up stepped the forwards. Clean take by Jonathan Waide in the lineout setup, Mark Cusick, to step and crash over for the second score of the game. Again, converted by Ruairi Hawthorne. Half-time score 14 nil to Ballymoney. The only down side for the home side, and pointed out by captain and vice-captain, was the terrible penalty count and had to be improved in the second half.

Ballymoney kicked off towards the Club house, looking to hamper home their advantage. Unfortunately, the penalty count continued to rise, letting Coleraine off the hook and giving them the thought of a comeback. One final penalty, and the visitors finally broke that defensive line only to be halted by the beast Kyle McAuley. Unfortunately, the ref had a different view than the home support, and judged the tackle high, and as the last line of defence, gave the benefit to Coleraine. Penalty try and 10 mins in the bin for Kyle. Score now 14 - 7 to Ballymoney.

With the game now in the balance and Ballymoney down to 14, who was going to break next? Ballymoney 3XV backed their defence that has serviced them so well this season. Putting massive pressure on Coleraine who were trying to get that third try. Up stepped “twinkle toes” Lewis Henry, cutting back inside to take on the tiring forwards, skipping left and right before the trademark Swan dive over the line against converted by man of the match Ruari Hawthorne. Score now 21 - 7 with only 5 minutes remaining.

Thinking the win was in the bag, Ballymoney took the foot of the gas, allowed Coleraine to show how dangerous they could be to score their second try. The all-important conversion was missed to leave the score 21 - 12 and 30 seconds on the clock. Ballymoney 3XV finished the game as they started deep in Coleraine 22, looking to force one final bit of magic and get the fourth try. Unfortunately, it didn't quite come off. Final score Ballymoney 3XV 21 and Coleraine 2XV 12. League points in the bag and Robinson Cup winners; the second bit of silverware for the mighty 3s with 2 more up for grabs!