Stacked sport section this week

THIS weeks paper brings you all the results and updates across the Borough to keep you up to date on the going ons in your local clubs.

Starting from the back, Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins expects to do business in January's transfer window, the comments were confirmed after Kodi Lyons Foster has been side lined following a hamstring injury in Coleraine's victory of Moyola last week. It has been suggested that Coleraineare being linked with former Derry City defender Mark Connolly and Odhran Casey of Cliftonville. A familiar face from the Showgrounds has been appointed up the road ahead of the Bannsiders derby day match against Ballymena - Oran Kearney is now the Ballymena United manager after the departure of Jim Ervine.

Football

Coleraine continued winning ways over the weekend after coming behind from a 1-0 deficit in the first half against Carrick Rangers, the second half was a different story for the Bannsiders after three goals made the difference from Jamie McGonigle, Charles Dunne and Dean Jarvis. In Cup action, Coleraine drew Glentoran away in the Bet McLean Semi- Final, which is set for the end of January.

Limavady were able to secure a point on the road that keeps them at the top end of the table after a late leveller against Queens who came from behind against Limavady - the point on the road keeps things interesting between the top four sides as we enter the Christmas period.

GAA

Glenullin defeated Cuchulainns 3-15 - 0-19  to win the Ulster Title in the clubs centenary year. It's a busy start to the year for the Derry hurlers and footballers. The boys from St Louis Ballymena were keeping a close eye on this Danske Bank Leonard Cup semi final at the Dub. They may not have had a physical presence but they certainly were keeping in touch as St Marys grammar Belfast took St Pats Maghera to extra time. 

However, the St. Pat’s side finished strongly in the second period of extra time to claim a final spot and set up a hoot out with the Kintullagh side. Matthew O’Neill’s late goal looked to have seen St. Mary’s complete a superb second half comeback in normal time, but Aodhan McCloskey kept his cool at the other end and drew the teams level at 2-11-3-08 to force extra time.

Golf

Bushfoot was busy with the Ladies Annual Prize Day and their Ladies Branch Christmas Dinner. Whilst over in Castlerock on the Mussenden course was the challenge for the players in the Club Stableford at Castlerock Golf Club on Saturday.
In the end, seven handicapper Andrew Dalton, from Division Two, covered them in level par to win the day with 25 points.
He birdied the long third but dropped a shot at the long fifth before repeating that with a birdie three at six and a bogey five at seven.

There was more turkey time in Rathmore after 45 golfers battled through Sunday’s deluge in search of the elusive turkey.
Peter Webb topped the Section One group with 28 points, after countback, scored from his handicap of nine.
Over the 13 holes of the Valley course in play, Peter carded a seven over par score that featured an eagle three at the 17th in his 28 pointer.

The top turkey at Portstewart Golf Club on Saturday went to Johnny Callan with a score of 33 points over the 13 holes in play on the Strand course.
The 12 handicapper was through the opening seven holes in one over par thanks to an eagle three at the long seventh.

Hockey

On Saturday 6 December, Coleraine 2nd XI travelled to Banbridge to play their 2nd XI, fully aware of the challenge ahead.
The opening quarter saw both teams battle for early control of possession. Coleraine started brightly, but quick play from Banbridge earned them an early short corner - which they converted to take the lead. 

Beth Monaghan's first senior goal for Coleraine was enough to claim all three points in a closely fought derby encounter with Ballymena last Saturday.
Coleraine opened the stronger in the first half and took the lead mid way through after an initial break from Kia McCartney who then played Olivia Higgins in on goal one v one with the home goal keeper and she stayed calm and slotted the ball into the corner of the goal.

For full reports and pictures, see this week's Coleraine Chronicle.