Seven of the eight Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Round 3 games took place on Saturday 28th January. The game involving Cambridge House and Wellington College fell foul of the frosty conditions in Ballymena and will be played on an alternative date.
before you read the report please help with the following requests for games: Ballymena Academy 1st xv is on the look out for a game on Saturday 4th February. contact the school them on jandrews545@c2kni.net
CONFIRMED The Cambridge House v Wellington Collge Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Round 3 postponed game is scheduled to be played on Wednesday 1st February at Cambridge House in Ballymena.
Instonians U19s are looking for fixtures during February or early March for both Week-end and Mid-week dates, any clubs or Schools interested – Contact Des Spratt e-mail des@directeuropean.co.uk
COLERAINE RFC REQUEST GAMES SOUGHT FOR
Under 13, 15 & 19’s on 11th, 18th and 25th February. We are very keen on trying to get some friendly games organised on those weekends
3RD XV
Looking for games March, April and even May? Coleraine 3s play in Magners Junior League Section 3. To otrganise a game contact youth coach on e: cameronjinks@hotmail.com
There was the usual drama, excitement, joy and disappointment which Schools’ Cup matches bring and which was shared by the players, coaches and supporters at all the games. There was no shortage of commitment and skill at all the games with one or two surprises along the way which only the Schools’ Cup can bring.
Belfast High School gained great confidence from their 2nd Round win against Larne Grammar School, Ryan McGonigle and his team mates were looking forward to the visit of Bangor Grammar School for their 3rd Round Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup clash.
The Bangor Grammar School team, despite having already beaten the High School team earlier in the season, knew they were going to have to work hard if they were to come away with anything less than a victory. Belfast High School received the kick off and for the opening period of the game played with intensity and control. Bangor Grammar School defended well and managed to weather the initial storm from the home team. At the end of this period of pressure the Belfast High School team was awarded a penalty which resulted in an unsuccessful shot at goal by out half, Adam White. Bangor Grammar School then came back with a period of possession and, on the 2nd attempt, Andrew Mellon was successful with a penalty kick in front in front of the Belfast High School posts to give his team a 3-0 lead. Both teams played for territory throughout the remainder of the first half with Bangor Grammar missing two further penalty opportunities. This ensured the score at the interval read 3-0 in favour of the visitors. The second half started with Bangor Grammar School enjoying a long period of play in the Belfast High School 22m area. Having turned the opportunity to convert two relatively simple penalty opportunities the Bangor Grammar School team did decide to convert a third penalty chance when it came along. Andrew Mellon was successful to give his team a 6-0 lead. Again, both teams had chances throughout the remainder of the half but neither team was able to take the advantage. With Bangor Grammar School leading by 6-0 the Belfast High School team had one last period of possession in the Bangor 22m area with little time remaining. However, despite heroic attempts by Ryan McGonigle, Lewis Benson and Jason Garford the Bangor defence was well-organised and committed. The visitors eventually turned over a crucial ball which was kicked into touch with the final whistle following too see the Bangor Grammar School team celebrate a hard fought, but ultimately deserved, 6-0 win. For the home team, out half, Adam White kicked for territory well and kept the ball in front of his competitive pack which was led by the impressive Number 8, Ryan McGonigle. The Bangor Grammar team led by their captain, Johnny Gordon, played as a team with outhalf Daniel Kennedy and centre pairing, Matthew Stockton and Matthew Hamilton impressive in defence. In the Bangor Grammar School pack Andrew Shaw at hooker was destructive with the ball in hand and his 2nd Row team mate, Craig Burton, worked tirelessly throughout the game.
Bangor GS Rugby TV were there to catch all the action and below are TV comments after the game
Phil Harper, Andrew Shaw, Andrew Mellon, Matthew Stockton’s, Jonny Gordon’s and Mr Morgan comment on the game, stand out players. After a few knocks Bangor GS progress to the next round, interviews below.
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There was a close encounter played out at Chamber’s Park in Portadown when the Portadown College team played Royal School, Dungannon in the 3rd Round of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup.
CLICK FOR 2 ALBUMS OF Pictures One for InTouch & One kindly donated by Guy McCullough
The home team started strongly denying the RS Dungannon team of any worthwhile possession. The Portadown College team scored the first try of the game when quik thinking from outhalf, Ryan Calvert, created an opportunity for his fellow backs to display their handling skills. His colleagues did not disappoint enabling the Portadown College winger, Matthew Troughton, to run in for a try. The conversion was missed but the Portadown College team had a 5-0 lead. The Portadown College team was awarded a scrum from the restart which provided the platform for David Busby to create the space his fullback, Andrew Steele, to attack the Dungannon line. Andrew scored a well worked try under the posts and with Michael Busby adding the conversion, the Portadown team had a 12-0 lead after just ten minutes of play. The RS Dungannon team built their way back into the game applying pressure on a resolute Portadown College defence. However, RS Dungannon could only come away with a Jack Milligan penalty from their possession to reduce the arrears to 12-3. Just before the interval the Portadown College pack lost their influential prop, Alex Forbes, to a shoulder injury. With the halftime score reading 12-3 it was the Portadown College team that started the second half strongly. However, on many occasions they found themselves attacking from deep following many probing kicks from the RS Dungannon outhalf, Jack Milligan. Having won turnover ball it was now the turn of the RS Dungannon team to dominate possession with Andrew Clingan and Stephen Rogers getting through a lot of good work. Eventually, Andrew was driven over for a try which was converted by Jack Milligan to further reduce the arrears to 12-10. Further pressure from Dungannon saw them score another try with Stephen Rogers getting the touchdown. The try was not converted but the RS Dungannon team now had a 15-12 lead. This sparked the Portadown College team back into life and, with just ten minutes of the game remaining, David Busby pounced on a loose ball, got up and ran past a number of RS Dungannon players. The ball went to ground and David ran through to regain possession and run in to score a wonderful try. The try was converted by his brother Michael to enable the Portadown team to take a 19-15 lead with just minutes remaining. The final few minutes of the game saw Portadawn College hanging on but Dungannon were awarded a lineout five metres from the Portadown College line. They won possession and, with a hugh effort, drove the ball over the Portadown College line to enable Willie Graham to touchdown for the final try of the game. The conversion was missed, the final whistle sounded and it was the RS Dungannon team that celebrated their hard earned 20-19 victory, a result ensuring their participation in the 4th Round draw for the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup.
Down High School had an excellent build up to their Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup campaign.
They would have seen themselves as favourites to win against a Coleraine Academical Institution team that has experienced more than their fair share of traumas in the course of the current season. However, the young Coleraine AI team had other ideas! A flat performance from the home team, in a game where Down High had chances to score as well as dominate territory and possession, ensured they missed out on the chance of a place in the 4th Round of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup. They were unable to unlock a resolute Coleraine defence and when two long range penalties rebounded off the crossbar it was clearly not going to be their day. The opening period was typical committed Schools Cup rugby with big carries and tackles from both sides. With just fifteen minutes gone, Coleraine were awarded a penalty after a late tackle on their left winger. The kick was converted by Mikey Poskitt to give the visitors a crucial 3- 0 lead. Down High hit back and had a chance to equalize with a penalty on the left hand side from thirty metres out. However, the penalty attempt was narrowly missed from a difficult angle. With just five minutes of the first half remaining, the home team received another setback when Kelvin Hamilton was forced to retire with an ankle injury. Kelvin was replaced by David Johnston who took his opportunity well. Down High continued to press until the interval but uncharacteristic errors and failure to retain the ball at the breakdown meant that Coleraine were comfortable in defence and took a 3-0 lead into the half time break. The second half saw Down High School dominate both possession and territory but they were unable to breach the visitor’s well-organised defence. Good breaks by Jack Calvert and Luc Bonnargent and big carries by Rob Long came to nothing as the final pass went to ground or possession was turned over at the ruck. With forty eight minutes gone Down High were awarded a penalty from thirty five metres out. Regular kicker, Justin Rea, was injured in the build-up and their replacement kicker was unlucky to see the ball rebound of off the crossbar. The home team continued to press but a combination of poor decisions and unforced errors meant that Coleraine were always able to clear their lines. Then with just three minutes left on the clock, the Down High School team was awarded a penalty from forty five metres out and to the right of the posts. Once again, the kick rebounded off the crossbar. Coleraine regained possession and wound the clock down to close out the narrowest of victories and celebrate their unexpected 3-0 win. For Down High School it is a case, once again, off back to the drawing board and a case of what might have been.
Regent House travelled to Ballymoney to play Dalriada School, a team that had become battle hardened due to their two games against Portora RS in the 2nd Round of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup.
Regent House started by receiving the kick off on what was a very heavy pitch. They had the lion’s share of possession against a very determined and well-organised home side defence. Regent House, already with injuries in their pack, received a hammer blow on fifteen minutes when they lost their dynamic No. 8, Johnny Baird, to injury. Dalriada, after a sortie into the Regent half, won a penalty which was converted by Jonny Laughlin to give his team a 3-0 lead. Just before half-time Dalriada gained possession from a lineout and capitalised on slack Regent defence to score between the posts with Jonnie Allen awarded the try. Jonny Laughlin was successful with his conversion kick to give his team a 10-0 interval lead. After the re-start Regent House pressurised the Dalriada line gaining two kickable penalties in the first fifteen minutes. Unfortunately, for the Regent House team these penalty opportunities were missed. Two breaks by centre Craig Devlin and winger Jonny Carmichael were cancelled out close to the home side’s line with good defence yet again. Good work by the Regent backs saw full-back Peter Eakin stopped just short of the Dalriada School line. With just minutes remaining another Regent House break saw the ball spilled with the try-line at the mercy of the Regent House backs. Shortly after this the final whistle sounded and it was the Dalriada team that celebrated their inclusion in the draw for the 4th Round of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup.
Foyle College hosted Banbridge Academy at the City of Derry Rugby Club in an entertaining game despite the low scoreline.
The Foyle and Londonderry College team started brightly with Neil Burns, Kyle Henderson and Oisin Duffy all asking questions of the well-organised Banbridge Academy defence. On a rare break out from defensive duties, the Banbridge Academy team took play deep into Foyle College territory. After fifteen minutes of the game the visitors were awarded a penalty which Aaron Kennedy, their ebullient scrum half, was delighted to convert and give his team a 3-0 lead. Banbridge Academy continued to dominate at this stage and went close with a long range penalty attempt after twenty minutes. The Foyle College team responded to this near miss with two penalty attempts, neither of which was successful. With the halftime score at 3-0 in favour of the Banbridge Academy team there was still all to play for in the second half. The Foyle team threw everything into attack in the early stages of the second half. The visitors defended vigorously and had Aaron Kennedy and Marc Stevenson to thank for some fine pressure relieving kicks. This encouraged the Banbridge Academy team and eventually they got enough possession to enable them to take play into Foyle College territory. It was now the turn of the home team to defend and they did so for most of the final quarter of the game. There were no further scores which ensured it was the Banbridge Academy team that celebrated on the final whistle with their 3-0 win and assurance of a place in the draw for 4th Round of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup. Blair McDonald, Rory Thompson and David McKeown all contributed greatly to the success of the Banbridge Academy team while Stephen Chi, Tobias Anderson and Calvin Jones all impressed with their performances for the Foyle College team.
Rainey Endowed School hosted Belfast Royal Academy in a game that was played in near perfect conditions and in front of a large crowd at the Tobermore Road venue.
Belfast Royal Academy kicked off and immediately went on the offensive. The Rainey team was penalised at an early ruck and from the resultant penalty, Jack Carlisle put the visitors into a 3-0 lead with a well struck kick. The Belfast Royal Academy team used their large forwards, with Daniel Dass, David Patterson and Stuart Martin impressing, to punch holes in the Rainey defence. For the opening ten minutes Rainey were finding it very hard to cope with the visitors. A fantastic last ditch tackle from the Rainey fullback, Ryan Brown, prevented Belfast Royal Academy from increasing their lead. The visitors then proceeded to squander a great chance when they knocked the ball on with the line at their mercy. After fifteen minutes the Rainey team finally began to work their way into the game. Fine work from the home forwards, gained them some good field position but the visitors defence held firm. Against their bigger opponents, the Rainey scrum began to get on top. The front row of Jack McCalmont, Sam Hawe and Conal Murphy worked tirelessly to gain the upper hand. With the first half drawing to a close, a fine break in the centre by John Stewart was supported by Mark Kavanagh. At the resulting breakdown, the Belfast Royal Academy pack was were penalised and Martin Connolly kicked the penalty to level the scores at 3-3. Shortly after this the halftime whistle sounded. The Rainey Endowed team started the second half in blistering form and scored a try that involved most of the team. From the kick off, Jonathan Lees put in a fantastic tackle which provided turn over ball for the Rainey team. Swift hands from scrum half, Oisin Quinn, sent the Rainey Endowed forwards running into space. A great carry from Damien Devlin made good ground and with the visitors on the back foot, slick hands from Arran Murphy and Chris Moffett sent Martin Connolly into space to run in for an excellent try. The conversion was missed but the Rainey team had opened up an 8-3 lead. For the next fifteen minutes neither team could gain the ‘upper hand’. Excellent tackling from both sides made attack very difficult. The Rainey captain, Thomas Booth, threw himself into tackle after tackle to stop the Belfast Royal Academy team from making any real forward momentum. Michael Dawson was having a very influential role on the game playing with real energy in both attack and defence. With just ten minutes remaining the Rainey team was penalised for an infringement at a ruck. Jack Carlisle kicked to the corner and from the resulting lineout the ball was driven over the Rainey Endowed line for a Daniel Dass try. The conversion was missed but the scoreline was now reading 8-8 Time was running out but the young Rainey side showed courage by having a go at the Belfast Royal Academy defence. Right wing Jamie Noble made good ground before off-loading to replacement prop, Timmy Maxwell. Timmy carried the ball into the opposition half enabling his scrum half, Oisin Quinn, to make a nice break. Evenually after a series of quick rucks the Belfast Royal Academy defence was penalised and Martin Connolly slotted the kick to give Rainey an 11-8 lead. The visitors came back strongly and went on the attack. Jonathan Lees made yet another brilliant tackle but Rainey Endowed conceded another penalty at a ruck. Again, Jack Carlisle kicked to the corner but, from the following lineout, the home forwards showed great courage to stop the opposition from scoring. Rainey now knew they were capable of upsetting the visitors and finished the game on the front foot. When the final whistle sounded there were great scenes of jubilation from the players and home supporters alike. This was a very good and well-deserved victory for the Magherafelt boys and one that displayed the great spirit prevailing in the squad. The squad would like to dedicate this victory to Mr Charlie Simpson who unfortunately missed the game due to a knee injury. Everyone associated with the Rainey Endowed School and indeed, rugby playing schools throughout the Province, would like to wish Charlie a full recovery as he rehabilitates from his injury in hospital.
Grosvenor Grammar School hosted Sullivan Upper at the Cameronian Drive complex well aware of the result when the teams met back in October.
On that occasion the Sullivan Upper team won the game by a comfortable score with the Grosvenor Grammar School team having difficulty in containing the dynamic Sullivan Upper off-loading game. Would things be different in this Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup 3rd Round tie? There was a good crowd present to witness an intriguing game. The Grosvenor team started brightly and dominated both territory and possession in the first twenty minutes. Outhalf, Peter Davison missed a difficult penalty attempt after twelve minutes. However, the home side continued to pressurise the Sullivan defence and, following a period on the visitor’s line, prop Matthew Allen forced his way over much to the delight of the large home support. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Grosvenor Grammar School team had a 5-0 lead. Sullivan Upper threatened on occasions playing their well renowned off- loading game. However, the Grosvenor Grammar School line remained secure and their pack, led by the magnificent Matthew Cahoon at Number 8 and ably assisted by Sam Burdon, certainly had the upper hand throughout the first half. With five minutes remaining, Grosvenor lost a player to the sin bin following a series of penalties and Sullivan Upper scented an opportunity. However, the Grosvenor Grammar School defence stood firm and when a Sullivan player was also sin binned both teams were down to fourteen men. Peter Davison was unsuccessful with a difficult kick from the resultant penalty and that signalled half time with the scoreline reading 5-0 in favour of the Grosvenor Grammar School team. The home side started the second half energetically but a heavy penalty count gave Sullivan a much needed foothold in the game. The pivotal moment in the game seemed to occur after thirteen minutes when a Grosvenor player received a red card following a high tackle – leaving the home support stunned. From the resultant penalty the impressive Sullivan Upper prop, Ryan Loughead stormed over the Grosvenor Grammar line to take the score to 5-5. The conversion hit the right hand upright, but it seemed the home team’s hopes could have been dealt a fatal blow. Sullivan Upper now held the upper hand and when substitute out half, Mark Adair, slotted a drop goal it seemed that the tie was heading the visitor’s way with a lead of 8-5. However, the home side have been extremely difficult to beat on home soil and they responded magnificently. Pressure on the visitors in their own 22m area saw an attempted clearance kick charged down. Grosvenor Grammar School centre, Paul Kennedy, reacted quickly to touch down under the posts to send the home support into delirium. Peter Davison converted to take the score to 12 -8 in favour of his Grosvenor Grammar School team. The fourteen men defended heroically in the closing stages as Sullivan Upper laid siege to the home line. Sam Purdon, in particular, showed why he is rated as a future representative player by his work in defence and turning over the ball at crucial times. After seven minutes of injury time Paul Kennedy cleared the ball into touch to signal the end of a pulsating Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup tie and send the home side into the next round with their well-deserved 12-8 victory.
The last game in the 3rd Round of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup involving Cambridge House and Wellington College was postponed due to frosty pitch conditions at Cambridge House. It is hoped the game can be reorganised to be played on Wednesday 1st February.
Following this game the draws for the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Round 4 games, the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Bowl Quarter-Finals and the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy Semi-Finals took place in Grosvenor Grammar School.
The draws were done by Mr Laurence Caldwell, President of the Ulster Branch of the IRFU assisted by his son Richard, Senior Manager in the Retail Banking sector of the Northern Bank. The results of the draws are as follows:-
Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy Semi-Finals
Omagh Academy v Portora Royal School
Larne Grammar School v Friends’ School, Lisburn
Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Bowl Quarter-Finals
Portadown College v Down High School
Foyle College v Sullivan Upper School
Regent House v Belfast High School
Cambridge House/Wellington Coll v Belfast Royal Academy
Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup 4th Round
Ballyclare High School v Royal School, Armagh
Royal Belfast Academical Inst v Royal School, Dungannon
Dalriada School v Bangor Grammar School
Coleraine Academical Inst v Ballymena Academy
Banbridge Academy v Cambridge House/Wellington College
Wallace High School v Limavady Grammar School
Campbell College v Grosvenor Grammar School
Rainey Endowed School v Methodist College
These games are scheduled to take place on Saturday 11th February.
There were three Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy Quarter-Finals played on Saturday 28th January.
The game involving Lurgan College and Omagh Academy was delayed due to a heavy frost and eventually, Omagh kicked off deep into the Lurgan College half. Lurgan struggled to work their way out and conceded an early penalty which Andy Allen converted to give his Omagh Academy team a 3-0 lead. From the kick off Omagh managed to retain possession and work their way back into Lurgan College territory. Once again Lurgan College conceded a penalty opportunity which Andy Allen dispatched to give his team a 6-0 lead. The Omagh Academy team was beginning to gain a foothold on the game and their backs were finding gaps in the Lurgan College defence. With scrum half Greg Deazley and Andy Allen, playing at outhalf kicking intelligently, the Omagh Academy pack was in a position to pressurise the opposition. From another penalty Omagh kicked for touch and from the ensuing lineout their forwards took control. James Kelso was able to dive across the Lurgan College line after a clever link up with his scrum half Greg Deazley. Andy Allen converted the try bto give his team a 13-0 lead. From the kick off, Stewart Allen and Jamie Brown linked up well to power Omagh out of their half. Jamie offloaded to Peter Hemphill who was bundled into touch 5 metres from the line. Sustained pressure from the Omagh forwards was rewarded when Darren Clarke powered over from short distance for a try. Once again, Andy Allen converted to put his Omagh Academy team into a 20-0 lead. In the run up to the interval the Lurgan College team attacked the opposition line. They pressurised the Omagh Academy defence into giving away a penalty which Mark McIlwaine converted to reduce the arrears to 20-3 at the interval. The second half carried on in similar manner with the Omagh forwards determined to dominate in every area of play. They had the Lurgan scrums and lineouts under pressure forcing the Lurgan College team into giving away an early penalty under their posts. Once again, Andy Allen was successful with his conversion to give his team a 23-3 lead. Lurgan College responded immediately with a second Mark McIlwaine penalty to take the score to 23-6. James Catterson, his brother Andrew, and substitute wing, Chris Graham, all went close to scoring tries for the Omagh Academy team. James was held up over the line and Andrew and Chris were tackled into touch. It was not unexpected when another Omagh try was scored. No8 Michael Gibson managed to find a gap and take an offload from Ashley MacLaine to dive over the Lurgan College line. Andy Allen converted once more to give his team a 30-6 lead. Andy was also successful with one more penalty opportunity to ensure his team entered the draw for the Semi-Final of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy with a scoreline that read 33-6 in their favour at the no-side whistle.
Larne Grammar School recovered sufficiently from recent setbacks to record a narrow but well-deserved victory 21-17 against their near neighbours and East Antrim rivals, Carrickfergus Grammar School in the Quarter-Final of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy.
The Carrickfergus team started strongly and scored a try after just twelve minutes of play. The try was converted to give the Carrickfergus team a 7-0 lead. The Larne Grammar School team showed resilience and six minutes later Ryan McAllister touched down for a try. Robert McKinley added the extras to take the score to 7-7. Four minutes later the Carrickfergus outhalf cut through some poor Larne Grammar School defence to touch down for an unconverted try to put his team into a 12-7 lead. The Larne team responded positively once again and two quick Robert McKinley penalties in the lead up to the interval saw the Larne Grammar School team take a 13-12 halftime lead. Ten minutes into the second half this lead was extended to 18-12 when Calum Patton crossed for an unconverted try. This became 21-12 midway through the second half when Robert McKinley was successful with another penalty kick. The Carrickfergus Grammar School team never stopped working and got some reward for their endeavours when their scrum half scored a try with just minutes remaining. However, the try was not converted ensuring it was the Larne Grammar School that celebrated their place in the Semi-Final of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy with their 21-17 victory.
In the third of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy Quarter-Finals, Portora Royal School set about defending the Schools’ Trophy they won last season with a comprehensive 34-0 win against Antrim Grammar School. This win which has assured that Portora Royal School take their place in the Semi-Final of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy.
In the delayed 3rd Round game in the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Shield Belfast High School defeated Friends’ School by 34-12.
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Two of the teams not involved in the Third Round of the Northern Bank Schools’ Cup locked horns at Pirrie Park on Saturday when Methodist College hosted Ballymena Academy.
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The match proved to be a tense and highly competitive affair with Ballymena keen to make amends for their defeat by Methody back in October. Ballymena started strongly and spent the first ten minutes of the match deep in the Methody half but stout defence by the home team meant that Ballymena were unable to open their account for the day. An attacking kick that didn’t find touch allowed Methody to launch a counter-attack and, several phases later, their centre Conor McKee, burst through the Ballymena defence to score below the posts. Rudolph Benade added the extras to increase the lead to 7-0. Ballymena continued to attack and were awarded a penalty moments later when a Methody player infringed at the ruck. Darren Geddis was successful with his penalty attempt to reduce the arrears to 7-3.Ten minutes before half-time Ballymena scored a decisive try. Following a dynamic driving maul, Ballymena were awarded a penalty close to the Methody line and, from the resulting lineout, George Hargy powered over in the corner. Darren Geddis was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt and the scoreline remained 8-7 until half time. The second half was dominated by the home team who enjoyed the majority of territory and possession. Methody’s excellent ball retention was matched by Ballymena’s aggressive defence and the Belfast boys were held up just short of the line on a couple of occasions during the second half. Rory Winters, James Harrison, Michael Logan and Mark Campbell were at the centre of the hard working pack during this time. Rudolph Benade came close with a difficult penalty attempt in the last few minutes and, shortly afterwards, the final whistle sounded to great relief for the away team who had recorded a narrow 8-7 win at the end of this intriguing game.
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution team travelled to play a Wallace High School team determined to get back to winning ways following their recent defeat by Blackrock College.
The Belfast Inst team dominated the early proceedings with their forwards applying pressure on their opposite numbers. A penalty opportunity for the Belfast Inst team was converted by Peter Creighton to give his team a 3-0 lead. The game remained fairly even for the remainder of the first half with the Wallace backs attacking from deep and, on occasions, asking questions of the Belfast Inst defence. However, the Belfast Inst defence was strong and well-organised with Matthew Keane relieving the pressure with some fine clearance kicks. This ensured the score remained at 3-0 in favour of the visitors at halftime. The second half was similar in many ways to the first. The Belfast Inst team dominated possession and territory through the endeavours of their pack. However, too many mistakes and good Wallace High School defence the Belfast Inst team from scoring. James Martin thought he had scored from a maul before realising that he had actually scored over the 5 metre line! Belfast Inst turned down several penalty opportunities electing to kick to the corners. However, they eventually decided points were paramount and kicked a penalty through Peter Creighton to take a 6-0 lead with just a few minutes remaining. A mistake by the Belfast Inst receiver at the restart from gave the Wallace High School team possession. Following several phases of play involving David Scott and Jordan Heatley, Jordan touched down in the corner for a try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, the final whistle blew and it was the Belfast Inst team that celebrated their narrow 6-5 win.
The Royal School, Armagh team travelled to Dublin to play King’s Hospital School at their Lucan venue.
The RS Armagh team dominated proceedings for almost the entire game. Alistair Wright gave a “Man of the Match” performance by displaying great game management as well as kicking three penalties. Thomas Johnston touched down with a try for his RS Armagh team as did Daniel Reaney. Young No 8, Jonathan Morton, played his first game on the RS Armagh 1stxv and played a full part in his team’s 19-0 victory.
The game involving Ballyclare High School and Limavady Grammar School was switched, at the last minute, from the Rashee Road venue in Ballyclare to the Ballyquin Road venue in Limavady due to frosty pitch conditions.
This game witnessed Limavady Grammar record their first loss at home in the course of the current season. The Limavady side started off slowly and, as a result, their opponents dominated the opening exchanges. The big Ballyclare pack proved difficult to contain in the scrum and lineouts as well as the contact area. Despite some spirited Limavady Grammar School defence the power of the Ballyclare pack presented an opportunity for their backs to display their skills. They did this effectively with Peter Ferguson touching down for a try in the corner,The try was not converted but the Ballyclare High School team had a 5-0 lead. Following the score Limavady upped their game and the rucks and scrums became a more even contest. However, penalties for ill-discipline at the breakdown hindered any flow to their attack. For the remainder of the half, the Limavady Grammar School lineouts proved to be their downfall and, as a result, their ball was turned over on numerous occasions. Despite this the Ballyclare High School team could not capitalise and the score at the end of the first half remained at 5-0 to Ballyclare High. Following a poor first half performance the home team raised their efforts in the opening exchanges of the second half. Astute tactical kicking from Jamie Millar and Michael Barr pinned the visitors back into their 22m area. However, due to an injury to a Ballyclare High School player the game was cut short with the scoreline reading 5-0 to the Ballyclare High School player. The best wishes of everyone associated with schools’ rugby in Ulster go to the Ballyclare High School player injured in this game.
It was an exciting day for Year 8 pupils from both Bangor Grammar School and Friends’ School who played out their first full fifteen a side game. After a very enjoyable encounter the Friends’ School team emerged as 43-7 winners.
