The final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Trophy took place at Antrim Grammar School on Thursday 14th March when Lurgan College played Dalriada School. The game proved to be a very close encounter which Lurgan College eventually won by 8-0.
The Dalriada team dominated most of the territory and possession in the first half. Players such as Andy Stevenson and Alan Montgomery in the Dalriada pack ensured a good supply of ball which the Dalriada backs, especially the midfield trio of Angus Johnston, Denis Posternaks and Matthew Lockhart used well. However, they could not find a way through a dogged Lurgan College defence. Indeed, on the rare occasion the Lurgan College team got close to the Dalriada posts, they might have taken a first half lead but managed to miss two relatively simple penalty opportunities.
The second half saw the Lurgan College team take play deep into Dalriada territory and eventually get points on the board when Jamie Patterson converted a penalty opportunity to give his team 3-0 lead just minutes after the restart. Both teams had opportunities to score tries during the remainder of the second half but it was minutes before the final whistle that the enthusiastic crowd witnessed one. Lurgan College captain, Ryan Osbourne, took advantage of a tiring Dalriada defence to score the only try of the game. The conversion was missed but the Lurgan team had done enough to win the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion trophy Final by 8-0 against a gallant Dalriada School Medallion team.
Following the final whistle, Mr Stephen Black, Principal of Antrim Grammar School and School Principals’ representative on the Ulster Branch, congratulated both teams on their achievement of reaching the final, thanked the referee and his officials for their control of the game and thanked the Danske Bank for their continuing sponsorship of Ulster Schools’ Rugby. Mr Black then presented both teams with their medals and Lurgan College captain, Ryan Osbourne, with the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Trophy.
Mr Brian Hanna, Director of Physical Recreation at Lurgan College, spoke to thank Mr Stephen Black and his staff at Antrim Grammar School for all their hard work in providing facilities and hosting the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Trophy Final.
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