In a much-anticipated final, RBAI succeeded in keeping hold of the Ulster Schools Cup following a nail-biting clash with Ballymena Academy. The outcome remained uncertain until the game’s closing minutes. A crucial second-half try by substitute hooker Ross Dillon, expertly converted by Alex Place, proved the tie-breaker. Both teams were evenly matched at 14-14 after the interval, and these were the only points scored post-half time.
Inst, the team of Callum Soper and man of the match Adam Boyd— both sons of notable Ulster Rugby personalities — outdid Ballymena, scoring three tries to their two. Dillon’s decisive try at the 55th minute was followed by successful touchdowns lower backs, James Kerr and Boyd.
This match marked the first final played on the new pitch, with holders from the last year, RBAI, landing the first score within the initial five minutes. Here, Kerr intercepted a Ballymena pass and ran unopposed into the scoring area, this score was then converted by Place.
Missing a straightforward penalty in the 13th minute, Place watched as Ballymena capitalised on the minor mistake. Centre player, Daniel Vercoe-Rogers managed to power through and scored with Robbie Coleman’s successful conversion tying the score at the 17-minute mark. Ballymena went into the lead on 25 minutes when prop Deon Fleming scored a try, verified by referee Chris Busby. Coleman added the extra points.
Inst promptly retaliated, with Boyd managing a close-range score within a mere three minutes. This, combined with Place’s conversion, matched rivals’ scores again at 14-14 as half-time approached. Ballymena nearly broke the tie in the 49th minute, but an accidental collision between their captain and winger, Michael McLean, and their fullback, Sean McKay, resulted in a reprieve for Inst.
As Ballymena pressed another attack, a crucial penalty was awarded to RBAI thanks to Dillon, providing a game-changing moment. When the Belfast school players got within their adversaries’ 22, it was Dillon who came through once again, leading his team to victory with a close-range score.
In the 52nd minute of the match, a try was successfully converted by Place. Despite Ballymena’s increased efforts to regain control, they failed to penetrate the defensive line of Inst, even when they were down to 14 men following a yellow card for their prop, Blake McClean.
RBAI’s team included players such as J Gibson, A Place, and the captain, F Cunningham. Other team members were C O’Connor, J Kerr, C Gray, C Soper; Z Molyneaux, E Paterson, B McClean, L Sweeney, M Carter, L Donnelly, J Clark, and A Boyd. The substitutes were R Dillon, R Lath Amou, R O’Connor, S McElhinney, P McEvoy, L Gibson, B McCausland, and C Patton.
On the other hand, Ballymena Academy’s team was comprised of S McKay, B Neely, D Vercoe-Rogers, A Carson, and their captain, M McLean. The rest of the team included R Coleman, J McIlroy; M Wright, C Mustoe, D Fleming, C Scullion, J Gallagher, H Lamont, R Williamson, and C Hargy. Their reserves comprised of B Millar, J Harvey, H Casson, D Hayburn, M Cahoon, R Allen, M Glenn, and C Irvine.
The match was refereed by C Busby.