SCHOOLS RUGBY: Inst Medallion lose to Campbell

Both sides have had a good start to their campaigns and this was a good test for the Coleraine side to see where they stand in terms of the Medallion Shield pecking order.

The match began at a frantic pace with both sides looking to gain early pressure and dominance over their counterparts. After some great work at the break down by the Coleraine back row and a number of interchanges between backs and forwards with the ball in hand Coleraine scored a contender for try of the season to get them off to a great start in the match.

Although confidence was high and Coleraine had the bulk of possession and territory they were hit on the break twice shortly after. Firstly Campbell responded with a penalty from outside the 22 which brought the score to 5-3.

Campbell then added a try to their tally after a Coleraine move broke down.

This could have been a real blow to the Inst side and heads could have dropped but to their credit they dominated the rest of the first half for long periods putting pressure on the Campbell scrum and on the back three with some excellent kicking from Conor Shiels, Johnny Crowe and Jack Farrell. Although the Coleraine side had territory and possession disappointly they failed to take three clear chances towards the end of the half which would prove to be costly in the overall result in the game.

The second half started with Coleraine putting more pressure on the Campbell side but yet again they struggled to break down their opponents and put points on the board. After this sustained pressure, Campbell started to come more and more into the game and tested Coleraine with some strong and direct running from their outhalf and big pack.

This pressure led to three tries in a 10 minute spell which changed the fortunes of the Inst side entirely. Coleraine could have thrown the towel in but showed great determination and spirit to come back and put pressure on Campbell in the last ten minutes of the game.

Although the score line (27-5) was disappointing on Saturday it was a very determined and impressive performance from the young boys from Coleraine. They again impressed at lineout time and more than held their own in the scrum against a physical Campbell side.

The backs again looked dangerous when they had the ball but they must learn to take their chances or they will be punished at this level. This Saturday the Medallion entertain Banbridge Academy and will look to get back to winning ways.

The side are improving week by week and coaches Mr Boyd and Mr Dickie are confident the side benefited hugely from the past two weekends and will take these experiences into the up and coming fixtures.