The conditions were perfect on Tuesday afternoon, a slight breeze blowing from the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand end which reigning champions RBAI attacked in the first half as they eyed up Sullivan Upper with the added incentive of a record-breaking Medallion Shield success.
RBAI asserted their authority right from the kick-off, sending Sullivan deep into their own half. RBAI captain, Cian McClean, was to the fore of their early dominance, with Ollie Taylor also showcasing his talent at 10. A lovely box kick from Oliver Jones sent the ball deep into Sullivan’s 22. This was followed by great jackal work from RBAI, pressuring Sullivan to concede a penalty, giving RBAI a real attacking opportunity.
Seven minutes in, RBAI’s lineout led to a powerful driving maul with the Belfast boys getting the ball over the line, however it was held up by a determined Sullivan defence led by Sebastian Gorman and Finn McGrath.
A knock-on from Sullivan a few moments later gave RBAI a scrum on the 10m line which led to a great pick and go from John Fullerton. Again, this was met with great defence from McGrath and was held up.
RBAI showed strength in their back row with some robust carries from Reuben Gibson and Jack Coulter who drove the ball once again towards the Sullivan line. This time it was McClean who held up by the resilient Sullivan defence.
It was in the 10th minute that RBAI broke through to open the scoring, as second row Elliot Magowan raced through a gap and powered his way over for the try. Adam Millar's precision with the boot ensured RBAI capitalised fully, taking an early 7-0 lead.
Sullivan countered immediately, entering the RBAI 22 for the first time in the game, but the ball went loose and was turned over. Following offloads between Coulter and McClean, it was the RBAI captain who stormed over from the 10m line finishing under the posts for the second try of the game in the 13th minute. Adam Millar added the extras, taking the score to 14-0.
In the 25th minute, RBAI continued to dominate play and a break from Oliver Jones created the opportunity for McClean at close range to pick and go to score the third RBAI try. Millar added the extras, making it 21-0.
RBAI skipper McClean disrupted Sullivan’s quick ball with some excellent counter-rucking and with one minute left on the clock, Jack Coulter, was on hand to add extra pressure resulting in Sullivan conceding a penalty in front of the posts. Millar slotted the place kick to stretch out the first half lead.
Half-Time: RBAI 24-0 Sullivan Upper
As the second half got underway, the powerful RBAI back row wasted no time in adding to the lead when flanker Reuben Gibson forced his way over for a fourth try in the 32nd minute, which went unconverted.
To their credit, Sullivan never gave up and thanks to the boot of Henry Calvert they managed to finally gain a foothold in the RBAI 22. After great work from loosehead, Daniel Trainor, and centre, Lucas McKeown, Sullivan sent the ball wide to Ben Borland who flew down the wing, but he was forced into touch just short of the line.
In the 40th minute, Sullivan attacked again and after a great kick from Ross Alderdice, they took the ball through a number of phases which allowed Oliver Long to get the ball out to Roger McMullan who stormed over in the corner for an unconverted try. RBAI 29, Sullivan 5.
RBAI respond quickly and in the 46th minute, after a strong driving maul, Ethan Edwards scored their fifth try of the day, with Millar adding the extras, leaving the score 36-5.
In the 49th minute, Elliot Magowan was shown a yellow card, leaving RBAI down to fourteen men. It did not take Sullivan long to take advantage of this situation, and quick ball from McKeown found Patrick McClelland who sent Oliver Long clear to score their second unconverted try in the 51st minute. RBAI 36, Sullivan 10.
The last ten minutes was an excellent contest between both teams, each showing great skills in attack and defence. Despite their efforts, Sullivan were unable to close the gap and were held out by a determined RBAI defence.
Full-Time: RBAI 36-10 Sullivan Upper
Congratulations to both teams for a fantastic sporting contest with superb performances throughout. Well done to RBAI who made it two wins in a row, but also for making history as they now overtake Methodist College on the all-time roll of honour with 37 outright Medallion Shield titles.
Watch it back!
The Medallion Shield Final was broadcasted live on Ulster Rugby's new streaming and on-demand video platform, Ulster Rugby Live.
You can watch the full game back at live.ulster.rugby.
Danske Bank Player of the Match
RBAI captain, Cian McClean, had an excellent performance from the back row, contributing a brace of tries to lead his team to victory.
Scorers
RBAI (36)
TRY: Magowan, McClean (2), Gibson, Edwards
CON: Millar x 4
PEN: Millar
Sullivan Upper (10)
TRY: McMullan, Long
Teams
RBAI
(15-9) Oscar McGonigle, Benjamin McCarten, Jamie Stewart, Adam Miller, Ollie Taylor, Oliver Jones;
(1-8) Reuben McIlwrath, Ethan Edwards, John Fullerton, Elliot Magowan, Luke Livingston, Jack Coulter, Reuben Gibson, Cian McClean (Capt.).
Replacements: Ross Montgomery, Ollie Stewart, Dexter Harris, George Pepper, Callum Armstrong, James Agnew, Joseph Lowry, Jacob Tener.
Sullivan Upper
(15-9) Scott Henderson, Ben Borland, Noah Cassidy, Lucas McKeown, Roger McMullan, Henry Calvert, Patrick McClelland;
(1-8) Daniel Trainor, Sebastian Gorman, Leo Euler, Max Lavercombe, Oliver Crowe, Oliver Long, Benjamin Crowe, Finn McGrath (Capt.).
Replacements: Ethan Spratt, Joshua Patterson, Carter McKeown, Matthew McCartney, Bailey McGuile, Joshua McLaughlin, Ross Alderdice, Thomas Wray.
