RUGBY SCHOOLS' CUP: Foyle College through after win over Antrim Grammar

Foyle College will face Dalriada in the third round of the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup after a 20-8 win over Antrim Grammar at the North West venue.

It was a case of both teams displaying nerves in a first half of a game which lacked any real excitement.

Both struggled to gain any real control and the only points separating the teams at the break came from the boot of Matthew Orr when he converted a penalty opportunity to give Foyle a 3-0 lead.

Antrim started the second half very strongly. Team captain, Daniel McGrandles, took advantage of a great lineout from his fellow forwards.

The ball was secured and the resultant driven maul was finished off with a try when Daniel grounded the ball. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Antrim Grammar School team had a 5-3 lead.

The Foyle College team responded positively and a penalty opportunity was stroked away by Orr to swing the lead back in their favour 6-5.

Foyle College then conceded a penalty, which Sam Gordon converted, to retake the lead with the scoreboard reading 8-6 in their favour midway through the second half.

The Londonderry boys found another gear in the final quarter of the game.

From a lineout the home team moved the ball to their midfield. Centre, David Jackson, outflanked the Antrim defence but was tackled just short of the goal line.

The ball was quickly recycled and the passage of play ended with Conall Gill touching down for a try. Orr added the extras to see Foyle into a 13-8 lead.

With five minutes remaining a loose Antrim pass was gratefully intercepted by Conall Gill. He ran in for a try, which was converted by Orr, to secure the 20-8 victory.

Antrim will now travel to Portora Royal in the quarter-finals of the Schools’ Bowl.