CAI ready for big semi final clash with RBAI

Coleraine Academical Inst take on RBAI in today's Schools' Cup semi-final. Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye

That famous side 23 years ago were the last team from the Castlerock Road to go on and win the famous tournament.

That was Coleraine Inst’s ninth and final win in the competition, but with this the last year of the school in its current form there would be no better send off.

“Yeah I’m sure everyone is looking at it and thinking how perfect it would be to win it in this year of all years, but it all comes down to how we perform on the pitch,” said Richard Beggs.

“We won’t get too far ahead of ourselves, Tuesday will be a tough encounter for us and we have to produce the goods.”

A bumper crowd is set to follow the Coleraine school up to Belfast for the much anticipated clash at Ravenhill.

RBAI coach Dan Soper is in his second season at the Belfast school and he is hoping to end the drought of eight years since winning the tournament.

“The players have showed a great effort to learn and to get better and work hard so we are ticking all the boxes there and most importantly everybody is enjoying it,” he said.

“Absolutely I think we can win it but any of the schools out there that can win it.

“We need a bit of luck as do everybody and the depth of your squad gets tested but we are good enough to win it.”

RBAI put Royal School Armagh to the sword in the last eight running out comfortable winners in the end by a score of 23-0 to set up this meeting with the boys in maroon.

Coleraine Inst also scored well in their quarter final clash at home to Omagh Academy sealing a 22-9 victory.

A spokesperson for the school wish the first team all the best for the big day and said the whole school was very proud of them.

“Congratulations to the First XV for their excellent play and run in the Schools’ Cup in reaching the semi-final stage,” they said.

“Once again, we wish the First XV players and Mr. Beggs and Mr. Douglas every success on Tuesday and look forward to everyone getting behind the team on what promises to be a very exciting match and memorable day for the school.

“Good luck men; you have made us so very proud, one more step to the Final!”

Kick off at the Kingspan Stadium is 2.30pm.