Carndonagh Community School battle past RBAI to reach Danske Bank 3rd XV semi-final

Carndonagh Community School booked their place in the semi-finals of the Danske Bank 3rd XV Trophy with a well-earned 20-5 victory over RBAI in a fiercely contested quarter-final clash on Friday afternoon.

The home side started brightly, showcasing impressive handling skills that led to Conor McNally crossing the line for the first try, which was duly converted by Cian O’Leary. Building on their early momentum, CCS maintained strong defensive and attacking structures, allowing Alex Duffy to score in the corner. At half-time, CCS held a solid 12-0 lead.

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RBAI responded strongly in the second half, increasing the tempo after making key substitutions. Despite the pressure, CCS remained disciplined, tackling low and contesting rucks effectively. However, RBAI capitalised on an error at the breakdown, seizing possession inside the 22 and scoring their only try of the game.

Determined to reassert control, CCS pushed forward and applied sustained pressure inside the RBAI 22. Their efforts paid off when the pack recycled the ball efficiently, setting up Ultan Doherty for a crucial try. The final points of the match came from a penalty, confidently slotted over by O’Leary after RBAI were penalised for not rolling away at the breakdown.

It was a physically demanding encounter against a well-drilled RBAI side, but CCS showed resilience and composure to secure the win. They now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Belfast Royal Academy.