The Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Shield Final took place at Ravenhill on Monday 11th March when Wallace High School and Campbell College played out an enthralling game in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd. The Campbell College team emerged as deserved 17-0 winners but not before the Wallace High School team had made them work hard for their victory.
Two late tries for Campbell College put the gloss on a hard earned 17-0 win over Wallace High School in the Danske Bank Medallion Shield Final at Ravenhill on Monday afternoon.
Both teams contributed to a high energy encounter but it was Campbell who emerged as deserved winners thanks to tries from Jonathan Haldane, Paddy Beverland and Jack Howard. CLICK HERE for 500 Action Shots
It was Jack Howard’s strong running that created the opening score of the game after nineteen minutes. The outside centre spotted a gap in midfield and made forty metres before being hauled to ground by two covering Wallace High School defenders. The ball was quickly recycled and Paddy Beverland found his captain, Marcus Collim, who, in turn, enabled Jonathan Haldane to cross the line despite the close attentions of three Wallace defenders. Blindside flanker, Matthew Crowther hit the conversion attempt but it fell short but the Campbell College team had a 5-0 lead.
Shortly after this setback, theWallace HS fullback, Kyle Hayes, had an opportunity to cut the Campbell lead to just two points but his penalty attempt drifted wide. That left the half time score reading 5-0 to the Campbell College team.
Team captain, Jonny Stewart, and his Wallace team mates produced some good rugby in the second half, with Ben Finlay and Adam McCallum making good inroads and asking questions of the Campbell College defence. They threatened to score on a number of occasions but the Campbell defence stood firm and, despite the pressure, it was Campbell who scored next.
The impressive Campbell College Number 8, Jack Barry-Glendinning, made some good ground with a strong run and that created space for Paddy Beverland who evaded two would-be tacklers to touch down under the posts. Matthew Crowther made no mistake with the simple conversion kick and extended his side’s lead to 12-0 with five minutes to play.
With Wallace chasing the game, Jack Howard, who had an extremely impressive showing, broke away down the left touchline and a strong fend on the covering defender allowed him to slide over in the corner for a well-deserved try. Matthew Crowther missed his final kick but it was insignificant as the scoreline read 17-0. It was a comprehensive win for Campbell College was the scoreboard was an unfair reflection of the game and credit must go to the Wallace High School team for their energetic input into an excellent game.
Following the final whistle, medals were presented to the players from both teams, as well as the match officials, by Mr Lewis McCallen, representing The Danske Bank sponsors.
Mr Robin Cole, President of the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union, then presented the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Shield to Marcus Collim, captain of the victorious Campbell College, Belfast Medallion team.
