Campbell's Algarve team bonding key stepping stone to final for captain Paul Henry
Campbell College captain Paul Henry is hoping the fans can keep alive the buzz from semi-final success over Methody in today’s Schools’ Cup showdown with RBAI.
It has been eight years since the famous boys’ rugby trophy has held pride of place in the east Belfast school’s trophy cabinet – with Henry relishing the chance to end that run of frustration on the big St Patrick’s Day stage.
“I think everyone will just be so buzzing for it...even going into the semi-final the buzz in the school was massive,” said Henry. “Everyone you walked past was just wishing you the best of luck, so to make it to the final is really, really special.
“I'm really proud of how we performed against Methody...once we got into the game we stuck to our process, trusted each other and worked really hard for each other.”
Henry showed his maturity as a captain with his side leading by seven points and only five minutes on the semi-final clock when awarded a penalty in front of the posts. He made the instant decision to take points.
“I think we were only probably 10 metres out, but I think when you're seven points up, going more than seven points up is massive in cup rugby,” he said. “They fought really hard, but I think we just had enough in the end to get through.”
Henry wants the same attacking intent from Campbell in the final.
“Attack was actually a really big focus for us...in our quarter-final against Regent and our round-of-16 match against BRA we weren't as clinical as we wanted to be in the 22,” said Henry. “We put loads of emphasis on that...we were really, really happy with how we went (against Methody).”
Campbell’s preparation for the Schools’ Cup this season included a training camp in the Algarve on the eve of the tournament.
“It was really good, we had a four-day training camp with a match against Methody on the last day,” said the skipper. “I think it was really worthwhile on and off the pitch.
"The facilities we were using, we were down at the campus where the British and Irish Lions were training in the summer.
“I think we had everything we needed over there and it was really worthwhile and really good team bonding.”