Beggs upbeat despite defeat to Ballymena

Academy boasted 10 players in their side with cup final experience. In the first few minutes of the game the teams tested each other’s defence with some probing runs from the main strike runners on each side.

In the seventh minute an uncharacteristic missed penalty in front of the posts from Ballymena out-half Callum Paterson let Coleraine off lightly.

Inst worked themselves into a great position after a great run from Ulster Schools’ scrum-half Patrick Farrell, he broke around the side of a ruck and gained 40 metres. After insuing pressure Inst eventually won a penalty out wide and decided to take the kick, Michael Poskitt took his chance to make the score 3-0.

After the kick-off Ballymena regained the ball and won a scrum deep into the Inst half. The Ballymena number 8 picked the ball and set up a ruck. Ballymena prop Sam McNabney picked up and rumbled over from short range. The kick was converted.

The game was end to end. Coleraine scored their first try of the game in the 25 minute from the impressive prop Stephen Best, who powered over from a ruck which was five yards out. Unfortunately the conversion was missed.

After the kick off, Coleraine lost the ball. Hands in the ruck allowed the Ballymena fullback Caleb Morrison to add three points and make the score 10-8 to Ballymena Academy.

In the Second half Inst started well. Michael Poskitt added another penalty to once more give Coleraine the lead. However, In the middle period of the second half Ballymena scored two tries due to excellent quick ball generated by the forward pack.

In the last 15 minutes of the game Inst pressured the Academy line, staying in their 22 for the rest of the game. Ballymena conceded 16 penalties before Ballymena No 8 was sin binned with two minutes to go. Unfortunately the score remained the same despite excellent performances from Patrick Farrell and Stephen Best in particular.

Coach Richard Beggs was upbeat after the game.

“It was a pleasing performance but a disappointing result,” he said. “The encouraging thing is we know we can play better!

“Until the middle of the second half we were in control and looking good, but we’re going to have to learn how to close out these type of matches.”

Other results (All v Ballymena Academy): 2nd XV C.A.I. lost 38-18; 3rd XV C.A.I. lost 43-0; Medallion C.A.I won 22-5; U14A C.A.I won 17-0; U14B C.A.I won 27-0; U13A C.A.I won 31-5; U13B C.A.I won 39-5.