Match Report:
Coleraine GS 1stXV Progress into the fourth Round or the Schools’ Cup after a hard fought derby win….
Coleraine GS 1stXV progressed to the fourth round of the Schools’ Cup with a hard fought victory over Limavady GS on Saturday morning. A big crowed turned up to cheer on both teams and help get their side over the line and earn local bragging rights.
Coleraine were looking to build upon the momentum gained from their impressive run of form since late October. The team had won four of their last five games including victories over RS Dungannon, BRA, Rainey ES, Ballyclare HS and a narrow defeat away to Wallace HS.
Coleraine started off the brighter of the two sides with their pack making some strong runs and inroads into the Limavady half. This pressure was rewarded with an Rory Telfer penalty to give the away team the lead. 3-0 to Coleraine.
Limavady responded immediately with some strong, dynamic carries from their big pack, leading to a penalty in front of the posts. The penalty was converted to leave the score 3-3.
A good break and offload from Matthew Curry set up an opportunity for Harry Hughes who showed excellent pace and determination to beat the covering defence and score the first try of the game. Rory Telfer converted to leave the score 10-3 to Coleraine.
Limavady responded again with a sustained period of pressure inside the Coleraine half. Following some slick handling and offloading from the Limavady pack, they got a well deserved converted try to bring the score level at 10-10.
Coleraine managed to gain control of possession and utilise their fast and dynamic backline. Following some surging runs from Cian McCullagh and Noah Gordon the Coleraine backline moved the ball wide with Captain, Rory Telfer showing a good turn of pace to score a well worked team try. 17-10 to Coleraine.
In the closing minutes of the half, an accurate penalty kick for touch set up a driving maul opportunity deep inside the Limavady 22. Coleraine took their opportunity with a powerful, driving maul, with Mark Cusick placing the ball down. The touchline conversion was scored to leave the score 24-10 at half time to Coleraine in an exciting game of rugby.
The second half started with Limavady playing with real intensity and purpose. Coleraine struggled to gain possession and added to this problem by making a number of unforced errors and showing I’ll discipline at the breakdown. Coleraine also demonstrated some inexperience by running the ball deep inside their own half at times rather than opting for territory.
The rest of the half was a really tight tight affair with both teams fighting hard to gain an advantage. Coleraine demonstrated excellent spirit and impressive defence to stop Limavady from scoring from their sustained pressure. Coleraine managed to see the game out and following a storming run from Noah Gordon could have added to their try tally but the final pass didn’t go to hand.
Limavady showed excellent spirit to push the Coleraine side right to the end but the away side showed excellent character to grind out the win and progress into the next round. Coleraine will be pleased with their first half finishing but disappointed with their game management in the second half. This was an excellent cup game and typical derby match with both sides not wanting to give an inch in front of the big crowd.
Head Coach Richard Boyd reflected on his sides performance “I am really pleased to progress into the next round and thought we showed excellent character today to dig out a win away from home. Credit must go to the Limavady side today who were extremely physical and made life difficult for us throughout the game. We have areas to work on and must cut out unforced errors and penalties if we want to progress further in the cup. The squad have worked really hard all season and have been in good form over the past few months, so we will learn from today and look forward to the challenge ahead with confidence.”
Coleraine will play away to Ballymena Academy in the next Round on Saturday 29th January, 10.30am KO.
Score Summary:
LGS 10 v CGS 24
CGS Scorers:
Harry Hughes – Try Rory Telfer – Try Mark Cusick – Try
Rory Telfer – 3 Conversions & Penalty
HT:
LGS 10 v GGS 24
CGS Man of match:
Noah Gordon
