Coleraine face Ballymena at Ravenhill
COLERAINE Inst are getting ready for another appearance at Ravenhill.
This time, for the second year in a row, Inst will contest the final of the Subsidiary Shield at the headquarters of Ulster Rugby on Thursday. They take on their old rivals Ballymena Academy.
Last year Coleraine lost out to RBAI in the Shield final but coach Stephen Graham is confident they will take the trophy back to school this year.
Stephen told Times Sport: "We have lost out to Ballymena twice this year but the last time we were winning until the last minute. It was a close run contest.
"Ballymena are a useful side and they are strong in the centre and the backs. They got to the semi-final of the School's Cup last year. Having said that if we play the rugby we are capable of, there is no reason why we can't get a win."
There should be no great selection surprises for Coleraine. Stephen said: "We will be sticking pretty much with the team we have put out all season.
"We want the boys to go out there and enjoy the occasion and hopefully come home with the Shield. Inst have probably picked up the Shield more times than any other school over the years.
"It will be the last game for the school for about half the team and it would be a great way for them to bow out of school rugby.
"We are hoping for a big support from the rest of the school. With that and the lift from playing at Ravenhill we are in with a great chance."
Stephen has revealed that he is to stand down as head coach at the school next season. A win at Ravenhill in the Shield and more success for the Seconds, who have reached the semis in the Seconds' Cup, would be a fitting end to his many years as coach.
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Weather for Coleraine
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
