Coleraine GS 20 v MCB 10
Classy Coleraine defeat Methodist College
The Coleraine side started off poorly in a wet, cold, blistery morning. Lack of discipline at the breakdown caused MCB to take the advantage making
it 3-0. However the home side didn’t drop their heads, and through strong carries from the pack and accurate kicking, the CGS team allowed themselves
back into the game with a penalty from Callum Smith, making the score 3-3.
Methodist College added to their score line before the end of the half through a solid maul, and converted the kick. 10-3. Despite the home sides strong
and relentless efforts CGS couldn’t capitalise on an important opportunity before the end of the half.
However, the home boys reassessed the situation, and from guidance through the coaches at the break, the CGS side were motivated and ready to get back
into the game. This was demonstrated as straight from kick off CGS gained possession through strong defence at the breakdown and MCB gave away
a penalty. An accurate lineout from the pack, and a well-structured maul allowed extra time and space for the flashy backs, as they whipped it
wide for Thomas Lavery to score in the corner. An excellent kick from Callum Smith evened the score to 10-10.
CGS yet again shower their class as they entered MCB’s half through strong carries from both backs and forwards. This allowed time and space for Niall
Cameron to slice the fatigued MCB defence open. An excellent timed run followed by a perfect side step allowed Cameron to run past the first line
of defence and beat the fullback score close to the posts. The extras were added by Smith, making it 17-10.
MCB, as expected, came back fighting. However the CGS side didn’t drop their heads and never gave up, with Methody barely making a few yards around
the half way line, due to a strong wall of defence. Despite this, MCB entered the home side’s half through controversial decisions from the referee.
This didn’t spur the CGS side. For a period of 5 minutes the home boys defended on their line. Excellent tackles for this long period caused the
MCB to tire and CGS gained possession through a scrum. The solidity of the scrum proved vital for kicking to gain good territory. After excellent
defence at the breakdown in MCB’s half CGS turned the ball over. The home side knew that time was ticking on and through strong and secure carries
from the forwards allowed space for Smith to kick a drop goal, making it 20-10 with a couple of minutes to play.
MCB tried once more to break the line however Alastair Telfer ended their hopes through a steal in at the breakdown, ending the game. The final score
was 20-10.
CGS 1ST XV: C Hamilton, D Greatorex (C), M O’Neill, M Bailey, H Mawhinney P Wisener, G Mawhinney, G McKeag, R Gillan, C SmIth, A Telfer, M Norris,
N Cameron, T Lavery, A White.
C Hamilton – GGS
{module_contentholder name=”Gallery – Rugby”}