CGS Medallion play hosts to visiting English squad

On Saturday 19th March Doncaster U15 squad played the Medallion team from Coleraine Grammar School as part of their rugby tour of Ireland.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Mar 2016, 11:14 BST
Updated 1st Apr 2016, 19:59 BST
Coleraine Grammar SchoolColeraine Grammar School
Coleraine Grammar School

On a dry, crisp morning, the conditions were perfect for fast flowing rugby and the Coleraine boys started off well against their English counterparts.

An early try from Matthew O’Connor was strung together by slick hands from the back and quick ball from the forwards.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This was followed by a second try in the corner by winger Reuben Hutchinson who brilliantly side stepped his opposite number and made the score 10-0.

Just before half time Doncaster snatched a try back though a big carry from their second row.

The ball was then quickly recycled to their 12 who went in at the corner. Half time score 10-5.

Doncaster started the brighter side in the second half and took an early lead through their fullback who scored under the posts after a good move.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The extras were converted making the score 10-12 to Doncaster.

As the half continued, the Coleraine boys started to put pressure on their English counterparts and it wasn’t long before inside centre Daniel McConaghie made a quick break and offloaded to Connor Potts who beat three defenders and touched down under the posts for a fantastic try for the hosts.

With only a few minutes of match time remaining, the boys defended well and held out for the win against the touring side.

There was great individual performances on the day by Luke Norris, Matthew Henning and Matthew O’ Connor left the final score at 17-12 to CGS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Esteemed CAI past pupil Brian Gilmore, who is now based in Doncaster, masterminded the tour.

He was extremely proud as he watched his son play on “the big sand”, where he too had played in his youth.

Brian played for CAI in the 1988 Schools’ Cup final and was reunited with former coach Stephen Graham before the match.

Following the game the boys enjoyed some post game burgers with the Doncaster team courtesy of the Medallion team parents coordinated by Mrs Potts and Mrs McConaghie.

This ends a successful season for the Medallion lads who now look forward to continuing their rugby careers with the senior squads next year.

Related topics:DoncasterIreland