Methodist College, Belfast set up an all-Belfast Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final with RBAI after beating RS Armagh 29-3 in the second semi-final at Ravenhill on Wednesday.
The defending champions confirmed their status as competition favourites with a comprehensive win, registering three first half tries and two after the break. CLICK HERE for 500+ Shots from the game
It took them just eight minutes to open the scoring when outside centre, Patrick Colhoun, benefitted from good work by Rudolf Benade to scorch down the right hand touchline and score in the corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Methody team had a 5-0 lead. Methody continued to dominate territory and excellent ball retention created an opportunity for flanker Matthew McIvor to burrow over from close range. Once again, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Belfast team had increased their lead to 10-0. The RS Armagh team responded positively and took play deep into Methody territory. They gained a penalty opportunity and Ali Wright’s well struck kick left the score reading 10-3 midway through the first half.
Conor McKee, who started last year’s final, was a menace throughout with ball in hand and he notched up his side’s third try after twenty six minutes. Ali Wright had two chances to reduce the arrears but he saw both penalties come back off the uprights as the half drew to a close with the scoreline reading 15-3 in favour of the Methodist College team.
Methody’s influential No 8, James Gallagher, started the scoring in the second period after a strong run, with Josh Bingham converting, to extend the lead to 22-3. Alex Thomson then crossed from close range for the final try of the afternoon, again converted by Bingham, who produced an assured display.
RS Armagh responded with a passionate last ten minutes, ably led by Captain Michael Hoey and his front row colleague Darryl Morton. However, they found the Methody defence to be equal to the challenge. Ross Kane epitomised the work rate and tenacity of the Methody forwards with some crunching tackles in the closing stages. The game finished with Methody team emerging as deserved 29-3 winners and Ross’s team will now meet fierce rivals Royal Belfast Academical Institution in the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final on Monday 18th March (kick off 3.00pm).
