Close by at Fox’s Field, the home of Campbell College there was another enthralling Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup quarter-final encounter going on. The Methodist College team, accompanied by a large crowd of supporters, were the visitors and the scene was set for a good game.
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The home team started well dominating territory and possession. John Creighton, Chris Farrell and Chris Best asked questions of the Methodist College defence but the Methody defence responded positively with Mark Gribben, Peter Colhoun and Matthew McFall working hard to ensure their line remained intact. On a rare visit into the Campbell College 22m area, the Methody team won a through with Ryan Annett.
VIDEO CLIPS OF TRIES & COACH INTERVIEWS FROM BOTH TEAMS ARE BELOW THIS REPORT
The visitors maintained and controlled the possession going through several phases before releasing their right winger Elliott Mooney. Elliot took control of the situation to touch down for a try in the corner 15 minutes into the game. The conversion kick was unsuccessful but the Methodist College team had a 5-0 lead. The Methodist College was starting to dominate the forward exchanges and 8 minutes later they won a scrum inside the Campbell College 22m area.
They Methody back row, in tandem with their half backs, worked the ball to both sides of the pitch before creating the space for their outhalf, Adam Berry, to score a try in the corner. Once again the conversion was missed but the Methody team had a 10-0 lead. The Methody team continued to put pressure on the Campbell College line but the home defence was well organised and ensured no further scores in the first half. Campbell College started the second period of play in a much more determined manner and looked as if they were about to score 15 minutes into the second half when Chris Best had the line at his mercy. It took a marvellous cover tackle from David Rea to prevent the score causing Chris to drop the ball over the Methodist College line. However, from the restart the Methody midfield defence missed a tackle allowing Rory Scholes the space to create an opportunity for his winger, Rob Haldane to run in for a try. The try was not converted but the deficit had been reduced to 10-5. The home team was growing in confidence and continued to put pressure on the Methodist College defence. Following a series of picks and drives close to the Methody line, ex Methody pupil, Mark Best, summoned up sufficient energy to drive over the Methody line for a well-deserved try. The conversion was missed but the scoreline was now reading 10-10. Both teams were going all out for the win but both defences were well organised. Following a spectacular, but unsuccessful, drop goal attempt from Adam Berry, the home team took a quick drop out with only minutes remaining. This took play deep into Methodist College territory and the Campbell team had the scent of victory. Mark Best looked certain to score only for an excellent tackle from Peter Logan to stop him. The ball was turned over and played into touch when the final whistle went. Both teams will do it all again when they meet in the replay at Pirrie Park on Wednesday 23rd February.
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