The Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Final, the premier competition in the Ulster Schools’ calendar, took place in front of a good crowd at Ravenhill on St Patrick’s Day.
THREE NEW ALBUMS OF PICTURES FROM THE SCHOOLS’ CUP FINAL
Thankyou to Thomas Anderson for these shots
Played in excellent overhead and underfoot conditions, both teams gave a display of all that is good about Schools’ Rugby in the Province.
Campbell College defeated RBAI 18-11 in the 2011 Northern Bank Schools’ Cup Final with tries from centre Chris Farrell and winger Rob Haldane enough to ensure Campbell College won the competition outright for the 23rd time. An early penalty from fullback Matthew McGuigan gave RBAI a 3-0 lead. Campbell second row Geoffrey Crooks was then sin binned for an offence at the breakdown and with an extra man in the pack RBAI started to gain the upper hand. After gaining good field position and maintaining the ball for a number of phases, Matthew McGuigan landed a drop goal to extend the lead to 6-0 after 17 minutes. With Campbell back to their full complement of players they started to look more dangerous, especially in the backs. Indeed, an excellent first phase move by the Campbell team sent fullback, Rory Scholes, up to just outside the RBAI 22. A ruck infringement followed which allowed Scholes the chance to register a penalty to reduce the arrears to 6-3 just on the half time whistle
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Campbell came out in the second half with a more purposeful approach and a break by their outside centre, Christopher Best, highlighted their intent. A flowing move which involved Campbell College captain, John Creighton, a number of times, resulted in Chris Farrell forcing his way over for the opening try of the game. Rory Scholes added the conversion to put his team into a 10-6 lead. Soon after, Rory was given two opportunities to extend the lead with penalty kicks but was only successful with his second penalty attempt to put the Campbell College team into a 13-6 lead.
RBAI started to gain more possession through the unstinting efforts of Paddy Bell and Zach Welshman. They were camped in Campbell territory for some time. After 58 minutes some great drives by the RBAI forwards led to No. 8 Patrick Anderson scoring in the corner. Matthew McGuigan was unable to convert from the touchline but his side now trailed only 13-11.
Campbell responded brilliantly and a delightful pass by their outhalf, John Creighton, put Rory Scholes through a gap and he sent winger Rob Haldane away to score in the corner. Rory missed the difficult conversion but his team had done enough to secure a deserved 18-11 victory.
There are still a number of Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ competitions due for completion in the weeks ahead.
The Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Shield Final will take place at Ravenhill on Tuesday 22nd March when Sullivan Upper and Limavady Grammar will meet in an eagerly anticipated clash which has a 2.30pm kick off. Ballymena Academy will host the Northern Bank Schools Medallion Bowl Final. The Northern Bank Schools Medallion Bowl Final, featuring Grosvenor Grammar School and Rainey Endowed School will take place at Ballymena Academy on Wednesday 23rd March. This game is scheduled to kick off at 2-30pm. This will be followed by the Northern Bank Schools’ Subsidiary Shield Final at Ravenhill on Thursday 24th March. This game will be contested by Ballymena Academy and Bangor Grammar School, again with a 2.30pm kick off. The Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Trophy Final will take place at Rainey Old Boys RFC on Saturday 26th March between Dalriada and Foyle & Londonderry College with a10.45am kick off. The annual Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Seven-a-Side competitions will take place at Campbell College on Saturday 26th March. There will be Senior, Junior and Medallion competitions taking place throughout the day with the action beginning at 10-00am. Supporters will be made welcome at all these games.
