Foyle hoping it’s home sweet home on Saturday

David Barnett’s side will go into the tie, which is one of seven first round games scheduled across the Province on Saturday morning, full of confidence.

Although Foyle haven’t faced Friends’ this season, Barnett is hoping home advantage will benefit his side.

“Because Friends’ isn’t in our region we haven’t played them, but like every first round in the Schools’ Cup it’s going to be a tough tie for us,” stated Barnett.

“Like any cup competition, in any sport all you ask for is to be drawn at home and we have got a home tie, so hopefully we can use that to our benefit.

“Schools’ Cup first round day is a special day in the schools calendar and because of it no matter if you are playing at home or away I know that both sets of boys will be raring to go.”

Barnett also concedes that although he obviously wants to do well in the competition, he’s also realistic and knows getting towards the later stage of the tournament is getting more and more difficult for Foyle.

Last season, Ross Kane became the 36th Methodist College captain to lead his team to success in the world’s second-oldest rugby competition and Barnett believes the big schools will again dominate the competition.

“Yes we want to win on Saturday and yes we want to go far in the competition, but each year it’s getting harder and harder for us because of the size of the school,” he added.

“The big schools like Methody, are always going to have the upper hand, but no matter what we are only looking at this weekend’s game against Friends’ and hopefully get through into the second round.”

Barnett admitted that he should have a fully fit squad to choose from for the game, with skipper Patrick Leeson and openside flanker Niall Adair their two big players.

“At the minute everyone is fit and raring to go, hopefully no one gets injured at training this week,” he added.

“We’ll need everyone to play well but I’m hoping the captain can have a big game.”

Foyle College Squad: Sam McCord, Sam McCloskey, Fraser Millen, Chris Love, Callum McDonnell, Callum Watson, Steven Walker, Kevin Callaghan, Patrick Leeson, Niall Adair, Lee Brady, Hayden Campbell, Michael Rankin, Alex McDonnell, Gary McKinley, Philip Carroll, Mark Wilson, Robbie House, Steven Kennedy, Faolan Hanna, Jack Taylor, Jack McNeill.