The Down High School team dominated proceedings for long periods in the first half and scored the opening try when Ronan Patterson took advantage of good work from Jack Carlisle to touch down after five minutes.
Their midfield backs were causing problems for the Ballymena defence but they were unable to finish off a number of scoring chances, leaving the score at 0-5 going into the interval.
The second half started in a similar manner with the Down HS launching wave after wave of attacks. They seemed certain to score on a number of occasions only for heroic defensive work from James McClean and Jordan Foster.
The Ballymena team seemed to gain a great deal of confidence and they scored a try through second row forward, Josh McAuley. Bruce Houston converted for a 7-5 lead. Several injuries to Down HS players seemed to upset their rhythm and the Ballymena Academy team took advantage, scoring another try, this time by blindside flanker, Tiernan Martin. Houston converted to put his team into a somewhat flattering 14-5 lead with little time remaining. The same player then sealed the 17-5 victory when he converted a penalty kick in last minute of the game.
Following the game, Bobby Stewart, Senior Vice President of the IRFU (Ulster Branch), presented both teams with their medals and the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Plate to the captain of the victorious Ballymena Academy team.
The Ulster Schools’ Committee, as well as the coaches and players from both schools, would like to thank the Principal and Governors of Belfast Royal Academy, as well as Chris McCarey and his games staff, for the hosting of the game and the provision of excellent facilities and a great pitch at Roughfort.