News

08/10/2008 : Under 18s win cup at City of Derry blitz

COLERAINE Under 18s travelled to City of Derry to compete in the annual `Round Robin Blitz' on Saturday and came home with the Cup.

Due to the weather only three teams contested the competition, but provided the spectators with some very entertaining rugby.
Coleraine's first match was against the defending champions Letterkenny. Playing into the teeth of the gale Coleraine defended manfully early on, but indiscipline let Letterkenny in for a try when their prop charged over from a short penalty.
This seemed to jolt Coleraine into action, and man of the tournament, Josh McCabe ably assisted by Owen McIntosh started to take control of the forward battle. Eventually good harrying by winger Dean Hempill, saw him score close to the posts.
Playing with the wind in the second half Coleraine dominated proceedings. A charge down close to the Letterkenny line by the industrious Gavin Edgar let centre Alastair Chambers in for a try. Coleraine finished when the outstanding winger Colin Brown rounded off an excellent move to leave the final score 15 - 7.
Coleraine then took on City of Derry. Playing into the wind Coleraine endured early pressure and conceded a penalty to give Derry an early lead. This lead increased when a try was conceded midway through the half.

Coleraine upped their performance and an excellent break by Josh McCabe from the base of a ruck, a quick offload and good hands by the backs, let outside half Niall Irwin score under the posts. Coleraine controlled the rest of the game and got their just rewards when Niall Irwin converted a penalty on the final whistle to give them a 10-7 victory.
Coach Brian Kneeland was delighted with his young teams performance and he is convinced there is a lot more to come.
This was a collective performance, but the outstanding performance of Josh McCabe at No 8 deserves special mention. Owen McIntosh and Daniel McCauley also put in good performances in the pack, whilst in the backs winger Colin Brown again showed what a talent he is.