BOI Senior Cup, Junior Cup and Junior Shield | Match Round-Ups

The Christmas triple header proved to be an exciting and entertaining day of rugby here in Affidea Stadium.

Junior Shield | Ards 37 - 17 Randalstown

To kick off the day was the Junior Shield final, where Ards secured a clinical 37–17 victory over Randalstown in front of a fantastic crowd of vocal supporters from both clubs. Ards established an early lead through tries from Ethan Bell and Robbie Johnston, but Randalstown, appearing in their first-ever final at Affidea Stadium, fought back bravely with a penalty try and a further score from skipper Eoin Letters to narrow the gap to 17–12 at the break. Ards pulled away in the second half as Ryan Upritchard and Aaron May both crossed the line, though Randalstown continued to compete hard, adding a final unconverted try of their own from Daniel Cullen in the closing stages. While Ards celebrated their first silverware in 22 years, both teams and their travelling fans contributed to a wonderful showcase of junior rugby at the home of Ulster Rugby.

Junior Cup | Enniskillen 48 - 14 Ballynahinch 2XV

Enniskillen secured the Ulster Junior Cup with a clinical 48–14 victory over Ballynahinch 2XV at Affidea Stadium, in a match that showcased the high standard of junior rugby to a large and vocal crowd from both clubs. Enniskillen established early control through an Aukuso Vaelua Teo try and the boot of Eddie Keys, though Ballynahinch responded with a powerful score from Christopher Francis to keep the contest close at the interval. While James Trotter (2), Jack Rutledge, and Niall Keenan all crossed the line as Enniskillen pulled away in the second half, the Ballynahinch side remained physical and determined throughout, earning a late try through Kyle Gill. The final whistle confirmed a second try for Vaelua Teo and a perfect kicking display from Keys, capping off a competitive final where both the Enniskillen and Ballynahinch supporters provided a fantastic atmosphere at the home of Ulster Rugby.

Bank of Ireland Senior Cup | Instonians 14 - 19 Ballynahinch

Ballynahinch successfully defended their title in a highly competitive Bank of Ireland Senior Cup Final at Affidea Stadium, overcoming a resilient Instonians side 19–14. In a physical encounter played before a large and enthusiastic crowd from both clubs, Instonians struck first through a Bradley McNamara try, but Ballynahinch responded before the break with scores from James Humphreys and Matthew Booth to take a narrow lead. The second half became a tactical battle where the clinical boot of Conor Rankin proved vital, as he slotted three crucial penalties to keep his side ahead. Instonians ensured a grandstand finish when winger Hugo Ellerby crossed out wide to bring them within two points, but the defending champions used their experience to navigate the closing stages and secure the trophy. Both sets of supporters contributed to a fantastic atmosphere, celebrating a superb showcase of top-level club rugby at the home of the province.