ERGS 38-22 Coleraine Grammar School

Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (ERGS) began their Ulster Schools’ Cup campaign on Saturday in fine fashion by defeating Coleraine Grammar School by a score line of 38-22.

Both sides were hoping to get off to a good start to the group stage of the cup by getting an early win on the board and it was the home side that delivered in abundance.

ERGS started the match with an unrivalled intensity, breaking tackles and making line breaks with ease as their forward pack completely overpowered the opposition in the opening exchanges. This led to an early score from winger Seamus Greene out on the left wing.

The home side continued to dominate with Robbie McIlrwath scoring from the back of a powerful driving maul midway through the first-half.

Two further scores in quick succession from Alfie Savage and Paul Curry wrapped up the bonus point within 30 minutes. 

Coleraine battled hard towards the end of the half and applied consistent pressure on the home side's try line but a resolute ERGS defence held firm to deny them a score and leave the Enniskillen school in a commanding lead, 24-0.

The second-half would prove to be more evenly contested as ERGS played into a stiff wind and Coleraine had renewed vigour after the break.

Both teams exchanged early scores with Toby Newman scoring from close range and Robbie McIlwrath again benefiting from the power of the rolling maul. 

However, Coleraine began to assert more control on the game and dominated both possession and territory for the vast majority of the second-half.

The Enniskillen defence was breached on several occasions resulting in Coleraine attaining their own four-try bonus point.

But as time went on any hopes of a comeback waned and ERGS settled for a comfortable 38-22 victory, scoring six tries along with four conversions from the boot of Sam Paton. 

The next group stage game is in two weeks as Enniskillen face a tricky away fixture against Foyle College before finishing the group at the beginning of December back at home as they host Bangor Academy. 

“It was a super performance from the boys," said coach Ashley Finlay.

"They did exactly what we’d asked of them and put together an almost perfect first-half of rugby.

"The conditions were a bit tougher in the second but it was still pleasing to get a few further scores.

"We will need to look at our defence in the second half as we eased up and shouldn’t be conceding that many points but the game was won at that stage. It’s great to be over that first hurdle and now we focus on a tough away trip to Foyle College in two weeks.”