AS Coleraine Inst continue their build up to the School's Cup, the game against Methody on Saturday gave them many positives to work on.
The game in Belfast was always going to be physical and they started the stronger. A big tackle from Connor Gaston set the tone for the first half and gave the Belfast side an insight into what they could expect.
Ritchie McMaster claimed the first
points of the match after Methody conceded a penalty. However, the mobile Methody forwards soon began to make their presence felt.
Methody got themselves into a good attacking position from a five metre lineout and although the Coleraine felt the ball had been held up over the line a score was awarded. The conversion was missed.
The next score went again to Methody from a simple penalty to take the score to 8-3 in favour of the Belfast side.
From the restart, Michael Shiels was able to put great pressure on the Methody forwards and after Josh Christie and David Ferguson cut some great lines of attack the referee awarded Coleraine a penalty. McMaster converted for three points but a short time later dropped the ball just short with another attempt.
The second half began with the game was developing into a real physical battle and the referee struggling to keep control. Methody were able to add another six points through penalties and thereafter the Methody prop was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes and he was soon accompanied by Coleraine's Conor Gaston.
With time running out and the Inst team tackling like demons in the very last minute of the game the Methody prop squeezed through for an unconverted try taking the score to 19-6 at the final whistle.
The Coleraine team now look forward to facing Dungannon at home on Saturday.