Coleraine GS v Foyle College
Subsidiary Shield Q-Final
Saturday 12/2/22
Coleraine GS progress to Subsidiary Shield Semi-Finals….
Coleraine Grammar hosted Foyle College on Saturday morning to see who would progress to the Subsidiary Shield Semi-Final. Both sides were confident of a win after encouraging results this season but knew the derby encounter would be a tough battle, especially with the cold, wet and windy weather conditions.
The game started tightly with a number of mistakes from both sides causing no side to gain an upper hand on the game. It was on the 20-minute mark when the game came to life following a good set piece scrum move, Coleraine’s backs were able to move the ball to space to create a platform to work off. Following a few phases Jordan McAuley and his backline were able to move the ball to space and Benji Logan finished off an excellent team try in the corner. Rory Telfer converted, and the score was 7-0.
Coleraine continued to press and put the pressure on the away side. Following some strong and dynamic carries by the Coleraine pack they progressed into Foyle’s 22. The ball made its way to Harry Hughes and the Coleraine centre was able to use quick footwork to touch down for Coleraine’s second try. The score was now 12-0.
Foyle responded to the Coleraine pressure and were able to get a foothold into the game with some powerful carries from their big pack and some well worked kicks from their half backs. Foyle were unable to channel this pressure into points as Coleraine’s strong and disciplined defence held firm.
Continuous penalties from the away side left them 5 metres out of their line with a Coleraine Grammar lineout. This ill-discipline was costly as after a few phases Coleraine’s number eight Noah Gordon was able to barge his way over the try line to make the score 19-0 at halftime.
Following the break both sides knew the next score would be vital. Foyle pushed hard after the kick off and put the Coleraine defence under pressure. The Coleraine defence was strong and they were able to force a knock on which Harry Hughes was able to pounce onto and run in a try from 50 metres, this extended the score to 26-0.
Coleraine then spent much of the second half deep inside the away side’s half through great territorial kicking from Jacob Lennox and Jordan McAuley. This was followed up by good pressure and discipline by the home side who made it hard for the away side to exit. This was displayed through a charged down kick from Zack McCartney which allowed Rory Telfer to sprint through and touch down the ball to make the score 33-0.
Coleraine were able to gain good lineout ball just over halfway allowing them to launch an attack. Following a few industrious carries from the forwards the ball was moved wide quickly and great hands form Jacob Lennox releasing Toby McClarty to finish off another well worked try. The conversion was added to leave the score at 40-0.
More penalties from the away side once again allowed the home side to progress into the away sides 22. Following sustained pressure from the Coleraine pack, close to the line, through carries from Nathan Ogborne and David Milford. Joshua Stewart was able to bundle over the line turning Coleraine’s forward pressure into points. The score was now 45-0.
As the match entered the last ten minutes there was plenty of space allowing a free-flowing game for both sides. This was capitalised from the Coleraine captain Rory Telfer as he was able to gain the ball with space in front of him showing great acceleration, he was able to beat a number of defenders before touching down. This was the last act of the game with the score finishing 52-0 to the home side.
Captain Rory Telfer commented on his sides performance. “We are delighted to get the win today and progress into the semi-finals. We knew the threats Foyle possessed and we are pleased that we were able to handle the conditions and opposition well. We hope to keep training for as long as possible as the coaches keep pushing us every week to get better. We are also looking forward to whoever we play in the next round. We will be focused, train well and hopefully get a spot in the final in a few weeks’ time”.
This was an excellent team performance in tough conditions by the Coleraine side. They now progress to the Semi-finals with confidence and will play away to the winner of Regent House or Royal School Armagh on Saturday 26th February. The Coleraine GS 2ndXV have also had a fantastic season and have reached the final of the 2ndXV Plate. The team will take on RS Armagh on Tuesday 22nd February at Friends School Lisburn, 2.30pm Kick Off.
