Foyle through to the semis

FOYLE managed to make their way to the Northern Bank Ulster Schools' Bowl semi finals after beating Dungannon.

Entertainment was on show in a great game between two sides dissapointed to have lost out in Round three of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools' Cup.

Foyle and Londonderry coach Gerald McCarter said: "It was a hard fought game, but one which I thought we deserved to win. Apart from early on, we led all the way through the game. We scored the only try of the game and looked like the only team to score a try. I think we played the better rugby but I think Dungannon might not agree with that."

Mr McCarter singled out a number of players for special praise: "Dungannon kicked the ball a lot and I think our back three (David Murdock, Matthew Kilgore and Conor Cummings) dealt with the kick well and ran the ball back at them, setting us up for counter attacks."

Foyle played host as some very good rugby was served up. The game got off to a good start but Dungannon claimed first blood. Irish Schools' centre, Peter Nelson converted a penalty attempt after only four minutes to put the visitors three ahead.

The local team responded positively and was rewarded for some enterprising play. Graeme McCarter got a try after twelve minutes. David Murdock added the conversion, on his return from injury, to put the hosts 7-3 up.

On the stroke of half time, David put Foyle further in front with a penalty score to make the score 10-3.

RS Dungannon started the second half strongly with Gary Wong, Glen Smyton and Andrew Creaney all combining to take play deep into Foyle and Londonderry College territory. Twelve minutes into the second period of play Peter Nelson reduced the scoreline to 10-6 when he kicked a penalty attempt.

Dungannon clawed themselves right back into contention after twenty-five minutes of the second half. Peter Nelson kicked over his third penalty of the game following an infringement by Foyle at the breakdown.

With the score now reading 10-9 in favour of the home team, the RS Dungannon team took every opportunity to attack the Foyle defence.

David Murdock, Matthew Kilgore and Conor Cummings proved resilient in defence and ensured that the Foyle line remained intact.

David Murdock had the final say of the game when he converted another penalty in injury time. The excellent kicking of David made sure his team made it to the semis of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools' Bowl competition as 13-9 winners of this game.

Like any good teacher, Mr McCarter had a 'could do better' message for his victorious team: "I would like the boys to show a bit more killer instinct. I would also like them to make sure they make less unforced handling errors. That let Dungannon off the hook a bit."