All visting teams from anywhere in the world are very very welcome in Ulster where – all races, creeds and nationalities are very welcome. The rugby will be fast and furions. AOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Sullivan Upper School 1st XV vs The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James Townsville.
On Wednesday 25th September, Sullivan Upper 1st XV played host to the Australian touring side, The Cathedral school Townsville. As 5pm approached, many eager supporters stood in anticipation waiting for both teams to take to the field. Sullivan saw various players return from provincial duties, including those from the victorious Ulster u19 campaign. It was to be the first time of the Sullivan Upper season where coach, and previous Ulster and Ireland representative Willie Anderson, could analyze the full squad and begin to make early preparations for the 2014 Danske Bank schools cup selection. Due to this, many young players recognized their opportunity and understood what was at stake; they had to make their mark. At the first blow of the whistle, it was evident that the depth and dynamics Sullivan had acquired could not be unheeded.
The game began as many had expected, with extreme intensity and the young Sullivan side seemed to flourish. Out half Mark Adair controlled the backline tremendously and with strong runners including Davey McMaster and Michael Cartmill, it was evident that many points would be scored. Early in the first half communication appeared key and the hand speed of both sides made it difficult for even the most eager spectator to follow. Numerous strong carries and yards made by the back row and Ulster under 17 representative Fergus Jemphrey enabled the back line to produce magnificent plays with Davey McMaster and Lewis Smith touching down for tries.
It was evident that the Australian touring side had met their match and despite strong running and big tackles, they were shut down quickly by both Dave Cave and Ross Todd who made it difficult for them to retrieve clean and quick ball from the break down.
The first half was to end like it had began, with domination of both territory and possession from Sullivan Upper. Due to a clean flow of ball from Scrum Half Charlie Mcewan, the forwards capitalized through continuity play with Jemphrey scoring from a maul and Max Clarke impressively achieving 10 points.
The Sullivan Upper side began the second half as the first had ended, confident and determined, however a few handling errors and a tactical error was to play into the hands of the visitors with a try at the start. Ulster under 19 representatives Michael Cartmill and Joshua Davidson carried strong and on occasions, The Cathedral School needed to commit 3 players to the tackle. Sullivan were to score 2 more tries due to fast and efficient play with wing Harry Harper showing his pace and capitalizing in the Australian corner. Unfortunately, swift defense from The Cathedral School led to a penalty against the Holywood team for a forced double movement and the try was disallowed. The Australian side fought back in the dying moments of the game and 17 year old prop forward Zion Reto was to score under the posts after miscommunication at the ruck. Despite this, the game was to end on a high for Sullivan with a virtuous call from Mark Adair. A box kick from the scrum half saw the ball fall perfectly into the hands of the dangerous half back and he sailed through ultimately untouched to end the game 51-12 to the home side.
