Beggs says it’s been too long since last success

Coleraine Inst First XV coach, Richard Beggs, says it has been too long since the school tasted success in the Schools Cup.
Ulster Rugby star Chris Cochrane (2nd from right) is pictured with (left-right) Stephen Douglas, Head Coach, Conor Shields, captain and Tony Stevenson, Danske Bank, during a visit to Coleraine AI ahead of their Danske Bank Schools' Cup semi final against Sullivan Upper on Thursday.Ulster Rugby star Chris Cochrane (2nd from right) is pictured with (left-right) Stephen Douglas, Head Coach, Conor Shields, captain and Tony Stevenson, Danske Bank, during a visit to Coleraine AI ahead of their Danske Bank Schools' Cup semi final against Sullivan Upper on Thursday.
Ulster Rugby star Chris Cochrane (2nd from right) is pictured with (left-right) Stephen Douglas, Head Coach, Conor Shields, captain and Tony Stevenson, Danske Bank, during a visit to Coleraine AI ahead of their Danske Bank Schools' Cup semi final against Sullivan Upper on Thursday.

Inst take on Sullivan Upper at Queen’s University RFC, Belfast (kick off 2.30pm) this Thursday and Beggs told Times Sport they have a great opportunity to write themselves into the record books.

“The last time we won the competition was 1992 and our last final appearance was in 1998, so it’s fair to say it has been too long,” he said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the guys to write their own little piece of history.

“The Schools Cup final is massive, in my opinion just behind the Provinisl game in this country.

“The players will have the opportunity to put themselves in the shop window to move on to bigger and better things.

“It’s going to be a tough game. We beat Sullivan before Christmas thanks to a massive penalty kick from our captain Conor Shiels.

“We know we will have to be on top of our game agin if we are to make the final.”

The game is being played at ‘The Dub’ due to refurbishment work at Ravenhill and Beggs said this brings its own advantages.

“A lot of players see playing at Ravenhill as the main goal, well we still have that carrott now the semis have been moved.

“Some might say it takes the pressure off a bit not playing at Ravenhill but the guys are very mature I don’t think it would really have affected them.

“We are going up to the Dub for a training session on Monday as we go through the final preparations.”

Inst received a welcome boost last week as old boy, Ulster Rugby star Chris Cochrane returned to the school.

“It was great to see Chris, he knows what it is like to play in big games and he came down and gave the guys some advice,” revealed Beggs.

“Things are all set now. Monday is our last contact session, but we’ll do a video session later on in the week.

“The guys are in good shape and are all looking forward to it.

“There is a real buzz about the school and everyone has been counting down the days once we got through the quarter final.

“We are taking 10 buses up to the game and I think there’s a couple coming from Coleraine High School. I’m sure there will be plenty of support from the town too.”

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