Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Round Up Saturday 2md March 2024.
It was a busy week of Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Rugby with two Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup semi-finals taking place at the Kingspan Stadium as well as the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Trophy final at Coleraine Grammar School, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Cup final at Pirrie Park, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Plate final at Carrickfergus Grammar School, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Cup Final at CIYMS RFC and the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Plate final at Ballyclare High School.
On Tuesday 27th February, the first of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Semi-Finals took place at the Kingspan Stadium when Royal Belfast Academical Institution, the current holders of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup, played Wallace High School.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution came out on top against Wallace High School, after a superb first half attacking performance propelled the Belfast school to victory in the first of two Danske Bank Schools’ Cup semi-finals played this week at the Kingspan Stadium.
A hat trick of tries for Royal Belfast Academical Institution full-back, Joshua Gibson, stole the show at Kingspan Stadium, with Alex Place also impressing on the wing for the Belfast Inst team, with a stunning individual try in the opening half.
Wallace High School made it a competitive match, despite them being 26-3 in arrears at the interval, with the Lisburn boys fighting back well in the second half to narrow the scoreline.
The match started off well with both sides testing each other with high balls in the fight for territory. Wallace High School started off particularly well, with fly-half, Lewis Stevenson, putting points on the board with an early penalty to see the scoreboard read Royal Belfast Academical Institution 0 Wallace High School 3.
Royal Belfast Academical Institutions responded immediately, forcing an early turnover and scoring from a pick and go after a well-executed lineout. Tighthead prop, Blake McClean, powering over in front of the boisterous Belfast Inst support in the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand. Alex Place’s kick went wide, but Jamie Kirk’s team found themselves now with a 5-3 lead.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution scored their second try following more good work at the set piece with another lineout maul, in the Wallace High 22m area, getting them close to the whitewash. The ball was quickly recycled and moved to Joshua Gibson who had the task of running under the posts for the touchdown. Alex Place converted the try to make the score 12-3 in favour of the Belfast Inst team.
The next Belfast Inst score was stunning, with Alex Place carrying out some brilliant wing play in the Wallace High School “Red” zone. Alex chipped the ball over a Wallace defender and chased to finish with the touchdown Alex added the extras to his try to see his team into a 19-3 lead.
Just before half-time, Joshua Gibson notched his second try of the game, following a clever combination with Alex Place on the right wing. Alex, once again, nailed his conversion and the Belfast Inst team had established a commanding 26-3 lead at the interval.
Wallace High School began the half strongly as they worked hard to get back into the game. Their side displayed a degree of urgency as they looked to claw back points on the scoreboard.
Wallace High School kept their foot on the gas and got their reward with winger, Josh Geddis, diving over in the corner to finish well with an unconverted try and grab Wallace High School’s first try of the semi-final. This left the Kingspan scoreboard now reading Royal Belfast Academical Institution 26 Wallace High School 8.
As Wallace’s tails were up, Belfast Inst once again showed their attacking nous, with scrum-half, Callum Soper, popping off a clever inside pass to the onrushing Joshua Gibson, who broke the defensive line to race clear and touch down for a try. Alex Place’s conversion extended the Belfast Inst lead once again-now 33-8.
Despite the difference in the scoreline, Derek Suffern’s team never gave up. They battled their way to two tries from replacement prop, Daniel Macklin-Copeland, and winger, Josh Geddis, scoring a second impressive try, fending off Belfast Inst pressure to score in the corner. One Lewis Stevenson conversion saw the final scoreboard read Royal Belfast Academical Institution 33 Wallace High School 20.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution:
(15-9) Joshua Gibson, Alex Place, Fraser Cunningham (C), Charlie O’Connor, James Kerr, Charlie Gray, Callum Soper;
(1-8) Zak Molyneaux, Euan Paterson, Blake McClean, Loughlin Sweeney, Milo Carter, Lorcan Donnelly, James Clark, Adam Boyd.
Replacements: Ross Dillon, Regan Lath Amou, Rory O’Connor, Scott McElhinney, Patrick McEvoy, Luke Gibson, Ben McCausland, Connor Patton.
Wallace HS:
(15-9) Daniel Wilson, Matthew Dickson, William Sproule, Quinn Armstrong, Josh Geddis, Alex Stevenson, Lewis Stevenson;
(1-8) James Gould, Michael McCavery, Rio McDonagh, Harry Lightbody. Callum Johns, Ben Moore, Jon Rodgers (C), Sam Warwick.
Replacements: James Furphy, Daniel Macklin-Copeland, Ollie Fitzsimmons, Ben Cairns, Rhys Ewing, Dnaiel Hearne, Carter Thompson, Corey Dawson-Stirling.
Meanwhile, at Coleraine Grammar School, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Trophy was up for grabs when Coleraine Grammar School 2ndxv hosted Bangor Academy 1stxv.
This was a very closely contested Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Trophy final from which the Coleraine Grammar School 2ndxv emerged as 19-17 winners.
Following the game, Norman Gault, representing the Ulster Branch, IRFU, made the presentation of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Trophy to the winning Coleraine Grammar School captain as well as the finalist medals to the players from both schools.
Both teams, and their coaching staff, were congratulated on reaching the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Trophy, the referee, Gary Milling, was thanked for his control of the game, Coleraine Grammar School, through Ashley Blair, and his groundstaff, was thanked for the use of facilities and hosting the game and the Danske Bank was thanked for their continuing sponsorship of all the Ulster Schools’ competitions. The parents and guardians of all the players were thanked for the support and encouragement they had given the young players throughout the season.
On Wednesday 28th February the second Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup semi-final, featuring Ballymena Academy and Sullivan Upper School, took place at the Kingspan Stadium.
At the no-side whistle, it was the Ballymena Academy team, with their 25-14 victory, that had earned the right to play Royal Belfast Academical Institution in the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup final on March 18th at the Kingspan Stadium.
The Ballymena Academy team was effective on both sides of the ball in the course of the game.
After a cagey opening period of play, it was the Ballymena Academy team that made the first break through of the game.
Charlie Hargy made a midfield break which ended with Robbie Coleman putting Sean McKay in for the first try of the game. Robbie added the extras to see his team into a 7-0 lead.
Further pressure from the Ballymena Academy attack forced the Sullivan Upper School defence into conceding a penalty. Up stepped Robbie Coleman to convert the resultant kick into three points and increase the Ballymena Academy lead to 10-0.
The Sullivan Upper School team responded positively and, with players such as Ryan Drain, Will Sheridan and Nathan Noble to the fore, took play deep into the Ballymena Academy 22m area. Following a lineout maul, Ryan Drain made a telling midfield break, off loaded to Timothy Bell, who finished things off with a try in the corner.
An excellent Harry McKeown conversion reduced the Sullivan Upper School arrears to 10-7.
Just before the break, power play from the Ballymena Academy pack saw Callum Mustoe finish off a well-executed lineout maul with a try.
The Robbie Coleman conversion saw the Ballymena Academy team take a 17-7 lead into the break.
Aggressive defensive play from the Ballymena Academy team, in the opening stages of the second half, saw a number of promising Sullivan Upper School attacks thwarted.
Daniel Vercoe-Rodgers pounced on a charge down in the Sullivan Upper 22m area, kicked the ball down the pitch and won the foot race to touch down for an unconverted try and increase the Ballymena Academy lead to 22-7.
Shortly after this the scoreboard read 25-7, in favour of Ballymena Academy, when Robbie Coleman converted another penalty kick opportunity.
The Sullivan Upper School team never gave up and got some reward for their considerable endeavours when, with the last play off the game, Will Sheridan and Harry Thallon combined to send Ruan Waryck in for a try.
Harry McKeown was successful with his conversion kick to leave the final scoreboard reading Ballymena Academy 25 Sullivan Upper School 14.
Ballymena Academy
(1-8) Matthew Wright, Callum Mustoe, Deon Fleming, Conan Scullion, Joshua Gallagher, Harry Lamont, Reece Williamson (VC), Charlie Hargy
(15-9) Sean McKay, Ben Neely, Daniel Vercoe-Rogers, Alexander Carson, Michael McLean (C), Robbie Coleman, James McIlroy
Replacements: Joshua Harvey, Ben Millar, Henry Casson, Daniel Haybrun, Matthew Cahoon, Mark Glenn, Callum Irvine, Reuben Allen
Sullivan Upper School
(1-8) Nathan Noble, Alexander Dunlop, Jake Thompson, Will Sheridan, Jack Law, Ruan Waryck (C), Sam Harper, Jake Scott
(15-9) Ryan Drain, Cameron Irwin, Max Readman, Harry McKeown, Timothy Bell, Hamish Johnston, Oliver Johnston
Replacements: Joss Davidson, Conor Black, Matthew McGinty, Jacob McKeown, Louis Baird, Tom Bradford, Ben Aiken, Harry Thallon
On the same afternoon, Royal Belfast Academical Institution 3rdxv played Campbell College, Belfast 3rdxv in the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Cup at Pirrie Park.
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution 3rdxv retained the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Cup with an 18-10 victory.
Following the game, Neale Wilson, representing the Ulster Branch, IRFU, made the presentation of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Cup to the winning Royal Belfast Academical Institution 3rdxv captain as well as the finalist medals to the players from both schools.
Both teams, and their coaching staff, were congratulated on reaching the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Cup, the referee, Billy Halliday, was thanked for his control of the game, Methodist College, Belfast, through Nick Wells and the Methodist College groundstaff, was thanked for the use of facilities and hosting the game and the Danske Bank was thanked for their continuing sponsorship of all the Ulster Schools’ competitions. The parents and guardians of all the players were thanked for the support and encouragement they had given the young players throughout the season.
Meanwhile, at Carrickfergus Grammar School, Ballyclare High School 3rdxv and Methodist College, Belfast 3rdxv met in the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Plate.
The Methodist College, Belfast 3rdxv won this Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Plate final by 22-7.
Following the game, Laura Thompson, representing the Ulster Branch and a member of the IRFU, made the presentation of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Plate to the winning Methodist College, Belfast 3rdxv captain as well as the finalist medals to the players from both schools.
Both teams, and their coaching staff, were congratulated on reaching the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rdxv Plate, the referee, Morgan McCartney, was thanked for his control of the game, Carrickfergus Grammar School, through Neal Kennedy and Ryan Reaney, and their groundstaff, was thanked for the use of facilities and hosting the game and the Danske Bank was thanked for their continuing sponsorship of all the Ulster Schools’ competitions. The parents and guardians of all the players were thanked for the support and encouragement they had given the young players throughout the season.
On Friday 1st March. The final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Cup took place at CIYMS RFC where Campbell College, Belfast 2ndxv played Royal Belfast Academical Institution 2ndxv.
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution team won this Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Cup final by game by 14-5.
Following the game, Greg Irwin, Chairman of the Ulster Rugby Committee and representative of the Ulster Branch, IRFU, made the presentation of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Cup to the winning Royal Belfast Academical Institution 2ndxv captain as well as the finalist medals to the players from both schools.
Both teams, and their coaching staff, were congratulated on reaching the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Cup, the referee, Mark Hermin, was thanked for his control of the game, CIYMS RFC, through David Peden and Chris Shields, and their groundstaff, was thanked for the use of facilities and hosting the game and the Danske Bank was thanked for their continuing sponsorship of all the Ulster Schools’ competitions. The parents and guardians of all the players were thanked for the support and encouragement they had given the young players throughout the season.
On Saturday 2nd March, the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Plate took place at Ballyclare High School when Ballymena Academy 2ndxv played the Rainey Endowed School 2ndxv.
At the end of this well-contested Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Plate final, it was the Ballymena Academy team that emerged as 19-13 winners.
Following the game, Dr Paul Flanigan, representing the Ulster Branch, IRFU, made the presentation of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Plate to the winning Ballymena Academy 2ndxv captain as well as the finalist medals to the players from both schools.
Both teams, and their coaching staff, were congratulated on reaching the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2ndxv Plate, the referee, Rory Stewart was thanked for his control of the game, Ballyclare High School, through Michael McKeever, and his groundstaff, was thanked for the use of facilities and hosting the game and the Danske Bank was thanked for their continuing sponsorship of all the Ulster Schools’ competitions. The parents and guardians of all the players were thanked for the support and encouragement they had given the young players throughout the season.
In the one remaining Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy semi-final, Omagh Academy entertained Dalriada School at the Campsie Playing Fields Arena.
The Dalriada School team won the game by 36-8 and will now play Antrim Grammar School in the final of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy.
The Omagh Academy points came through a Sam Busby penalty and an unconverted try from Harry McIlwaine.
The Dalriada School team scored five tries through Angus Graham, who touched down twice, Oliver Hughes, Adam Bustard and Zach McIlhagga. Gabriel-Stubbs Carton had a fine morning off the tee with four successful conversions as well as one successful penalty kick.
Lurgan College and Limavady Grammar School looked towards next season when they fielded U17 Development teams in a game which the Lurgan College team won by 12-7.
Ollie Givan and Josh Wilson scored the Lurgan College tries with Ben Maxwell adding the extras to one of the tries.
The Limavady Grammar School team got some reward for their considerable endeavours throughout the game when Ben Moore ran in for a try which he goaled.
The annual Royal Belfast Academical Institution U14 Tournament took place at the Osborne Park Playing Fields on Saturday 2nd March when, despite some difficult weather conditions, over 300 young players had the opportunity to enjoy themselves.
Included in the twenty schools taking park were Ballyclare High School, Ballymena Academy, Belfast Royal Academy, Campbell College, Belfast, Clongowes Wood College, Coleraine Grammar School, Dalriada School, Down High School, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Grosvenor Grammar School, Larne Grammar School, Methodist College, Belfast, Omagh Academy, Rainey Endowed School, Regent House School, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Royal School, Dungannon, Sullivan Upper School, Terenure College, Dublin and Wallace High School.
The tournament was organised into four groups of five with all teams having the opportunity to play in at least one more game semi-final game following their four group stage games.
Four finals were played with Campbell College, Belfast winning the Cup, Ballyclare High School winning the Plate, Larne Grammar School winning the Trophy and Rainey Endowed School winning the Bowl.
