Atkin’s Trophy Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Monday 20th August 2012
The Northern bank Ulster Schools’ team maintained their impressive recent run of success against Lancashire U18’s with a well-deserved win in a game played in excellent conditions at the famous Fox’s Field venue at Campbell College.
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The first fifteen minutes of the game saw the Ulster team lay the foundations for their win by adopting an enterprising approach to the game and an approach which the visitors found difficulties in coping with. The Ulster team recorded the first points of the game when Aaron Kennedy converted a penalty opportunity to give Ulster a 3-0 lead with just five minutes played. The Ulster lead was extended to 8-0 a few minutes when Rory Campbell outpaced a despairing Lancashire defence to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try. Ulster continued to make good use of the plentiful possession they enjoyed. Aaron Kennedy extended the lead to 11-0 when he was successful with a second penalty kick midway through the first half. Five minutes later Rory Bell scored a try which was converted by Aaron Kennedy to put Ulster Schools into an 18-0 lead.
The Lancashire team was experience difficulties in containing the Ulster forwards with Daryl Morton and Andrew Shaw causing problems with their dynamic ball carrying ability. This presented the opportunity for the Ulster backs to show their skills and it came as no surprise when Conor Shiels opened up the Lancashire defence to put Rory Campbell in for his second try of the game. The try was not converted but the Ulster team now had a 23-0 lead. Two minutes later the Ulster team was awarded a penalty try which Aaron Kennedy converted to give his team a 30-0 lead.
The Lancashire team might have folded at this stage but the visitors displayed great commitment and took the game deep into Ulster territory. They were awarded a penalty in front of the Ulster posts and took the scrum option. They won untidy ball from the scrum but kept the ball in hand to test the Ulster defence. Eventually, the Lancashire right winger forced his way across the Ulster line to touch down for an unconverted try which left the score at the interval reading 30-5 in favour of the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ team.
Both teams made a plethora of changes at half-time and the start of the second half saw the Lancashire team gain a little more in terms of both possession and territory in the opening stages of the second period of play. However, the Ulster defence was well-organised and able to thwart the Lancashire threat. Play was held up for a period of time while the medics dealt with a Lancashire injury. Play resumed and, with just six minutes remaining the Ulster Schools’ full back, Jack Owens, took full advantage of good work from his colleagues to run in for the last try of the game. The try was unconverted but the Ulster Schools’ team finished as deserved 35-5 winners against a very spirited Lancashire U18 Schools’ team to retain the Atkin’s Trophy.
The best wishes of everyone associated with Ulster Schools’ Rugby go to the injured Lancashire U18’s player for a full and speedy recovery
The Lancashire team will play the Ulster Clubs’ U18 team at Campbell College at 2-30pm on Wednesday 22nd August while the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ team will play a Lanquedoc U18 team at the Queen’s University playing fields at 2-00pm on Friday 24th August.
Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Squad.
Jack Owens Campbell College
Josh Fullerton Campbell College
Rory Bell Royal Belfast Academical Institution
Rory Campbell Royal Belfast Academical Institution
Conor Shiels Coleraine Academical Institution
Aaron Kennedy Banbridge Academy
Daryl Morton Royal School, Armagh (Captain)
Andrew McGrath Royal Belfast Academical Institution
Daniel Dass Belfast Royal Academy
Thomas Donnan Down High School
Alexander Thompson Banbridge Academy
Aaron Gilkinson Wallace High School
Andrew Shaw Bangor Grammar School
Michael Lagan Methodist College, Belfast
Replacement players
Scott Finlay Sullivan Upper School
Chris Griffiths Sullivan Upper School
Adam Kirk Ballymena Academy
Lewis Benson Belfast High School
Calvin Kernoghan Ballymena Academy
James Gallagher Methodist College
Jack Milligan Royal School, Dungannon
Jordan Garford Belfast High School
Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Management team
Manager Richard Clingan
Coaches Richard Hedley John Andrews
S&C Coach Chris Shields
Ulster Rugby Coach Brian McLaughlin
Physiotherapist Andy McMullen
Doctor Dr Gavin McLean
