RUGBY: Farrell solo show seals semi spot

Farrell touched down 15 minutes in to the game to set up a meeting with either RS Dungannon or RBAI at Ravenhill next Monday much to the delight of coach Richard Beggs.

“Nobody except us thought we had a chance to win this match,” said Beggs after the game.

“Eight of that team played in last year’s Schools’ Cup final.

“We kept our belief and our defence was awesome.

“It’s been too long since a CAI team has been challenging at the business end of the season and we’re back to where we should be and we’re not done yet.”

Inst though have suffered a blow with the news Michael Poskitt has been ruled out of the game after picking up an injury in Saturday’s quarter final win.

“It’s just a shame that Mikey won’t make the semi final,” said Beggs.

“I’ve just heard that he’s broken his collar bone. He’ll be a big miss and our thoughts are with him.”

The visitors started well and had an opportunity to take an early lead when a Coleraine player was penalised for an infringement at a ruck. However, the penalty attempt was missed and this seemed the spur the home team into action.

Paddy Farrell, Alan Clarke and Stuart McCaffrey were attacking the BRA defence at every opportunity.

Ryan Clarke, Eoin Devlin, Matthew Robinson and their BRA team mates were working hard in defence and successfully thwarted the Coleraine waves of attack.

That was until 15 minutes into the game when a loose clearance kick from the BRA defence was gathered by Paddy Farrell on his own 10 metre line.

Paddy set off on an attacking run leaving a wake of despairing defenders in his wake.

He touched down for a fine individual try which was converted by Michael Poskitt to give Coleraine a 7-0 lead.

This set back seemed to spur BRA into action and they took the game to Coleraine.

However, the home defence was well organised and disciplined ensuring the 7-0 scoreline remained until half time.

The home team lost Michael Poskitt to injury early in the second half causing Stuart McCaffrey to step into the crucial No 10 slot.

Stuart controlled the game very well by putting in some great clearance kicks and frustrating the regular BRA attacks. There were no further scores despite the attacking instincts of both teams.

The defences were on top during the second period of play ensuring it was the Coleraine that progressed through to the semi-final of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup with their well-deserved 7-0 win.