Antrim '˜Foyle-d' in Schools' Cup glory bid
The Steeple Road boys bowed out of the main competition after a gallant 20-8 defeat at Foyle & Londonderry College.
After knocking out Banbridge Academy in a dramatic last-gasp win in the previous round, Antrim made the trip to the north west with plenty of confidence.
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Hide AdThe 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 Antrim had a 5-3 lead.
Foyle responded positively and a penalty opportunity was stroked away by Orr to swing the lead back in their favour 6-5.
Foyle 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.
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Hide AdBut the Londonderry side found another gear in the final quarter of the game as firstly Conall Gill crossed for a converted try before the same player intercepted a pass to race clear and seal the victory.
Antrim will now travel to Portora Royal in the quarter-finals of the Schools’ Bowl.