In a thrilling clash for the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Subsidiary Shield, Campbell College squared off against Royal School Armagh in a match in which both teams showed an unrelenting drive to win. The game was played at the Queen's Arena at The Dub, in cloudy conditions and a slight breeze blowing down the pitch from the Malone Road end.
There was a lot on the line for the Armagh boys as defending champions, having won the Shield for the past two years.
Armagh played into the breeze in the first half, and they started strong with great phases leading to Campbell conceding an early penalty, setting up a promising opportunity deep in the Campbell 22. With a possession secured, Armagh set the maul and with a determined drive, breached the Campbell line with number 8 Thomas Dougan crossing for the try, which was converted by Josh Lowey for a 7-0 lead.
Not to be outdone, Campbell quickly responded, showcasing their attacking prowess with a series of well-executed phases. With great work from Tom Robinson on the wing, assisted with a strong carry from their centre and captain James McConnell, Campbell set their sights on their first try. A penalty awarded to Campbell saw them opting for a scrum, and the Belfast team wasted no time in getting across the gain line, with powerful hooker, Will Alexander driving the ball over. Henry Ralston added the extras to level the score at 7-7.
As the first half progressed, Campbell's dominance became increasingly evident. Despite Armagh's spirited efforts, including a strong attack and several powerful drives, Campbell maintained their composure and continued to assert their authority on the game. Only three minutes had passed, and Campbell College were storming over the line again, with a try from skipper, James McConnell assisted by an excellent drive from Tayo Olusayna. Once again, Ralston converted. 14-7.
A few moments later, Armagh were reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on down and despite Armagh’s best attempts, Campbell capitalised on this, adding their third try when flanker Josh Bunting stormed over in the left hand corner. The conversion was missed, 19-7.
After the restart, Armagh gained some breathing space with a powerful kick from Lowey, sending the ball back up to the Campbell 22. However, this was met with the impenetrable defence of Chris Massey and Will Alexander, and with a series of great carries from the Campbell boys. Leading from the front, McConnell scored his second try of the game in the 33rd minute, after a wonderful break through Armagh’s defensive line from second row, Scott Gray. Ralston added the extras taking the score to 26-7.
This was not to be the last try of the first half, as Campbell went right back over the gain-line with centre Paul Henry after a wonderful carry from Rus Lovo, put him clear to score under the posts. Ralston added the extras .
HT: Campbell College 33 – 7 Royal School Armagh
As the whistle blew to start the second half, Armagh refused to relent, and started with real purpose and strong possession with the ball, thanks to great work from Nili Tuipulotu and Will Boyd.
Armagh showed real character and battled hard to put the Campbell boys under pressure with James Reid smashing his way under the posts after a wonderful tap and go in the 51st minute. Lowey converted to close the gap to 33-14.
This score focused the Campbell minds and they began a period of territorial dominance deep in the Armagh half. After several attempts to score, it was Tayo Olusayna who added their first points of the second half with ten minutes to go, after he stormed down the wing, proving too fast for Armagh’s defence to score an unconverted try in the corner, 38-14.
From the restart, the wave of Campbell attack just kept coming, with another try attempt just moments after strong drives from Harry Hudson, Jed Dornan and Harry Dyer, but the ball was held up over the line.
In the final 5 minutes Campbell continued to attack and Josh Bunting found a gap in the Armagh drift defence to sprint clear and run in unopposed to score the final try. Harry Dyer converted to take Campbell 45-14 clear.
As the final whistle blew, it was Campbell who emerged victorious with a commanding 45-14 win over Armagh, with standout performances from Tayo Olusayna, Cal McKinney, James McConnell and Rus Lovo, with Cal McKinney receiving the Danske Bank Player of the Match Award. The triumph marked Campbell College's third outright victory in the Danske Bank Schools’ Subsidiary Shield.
Watch it back!
The Subsidiary 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
After an excellent performance from Campbell College's number 8, Cal McKinney, he was awarded Danske Bank Player of the Match.
Scorers
Campbell College (45)
TRY: Will Alexander, James McConnell (2), Josh Bunting (2), Paul Henry, Tayo Olusayna,
CON: Ralston (4), Dyer (1)
Royal School Armagh (14)
TRY: Thomas Dougan, James Reid
CON: Josh Lowey (2)
Teams
Campbell College
(15-9) Rian Davis; Rus Lovo; Paul Henry; James McConnell; Tom Robinson; Henry Ralston; Josh Millhench
(1-8) Chris Massey; Will Alexander; Charlie Bingham; Scott Gray; Peter Johnston; Tayo Olusayna; Josh Bunting; Cal McKinney
Replacements: Jed Dornan, Maxwell Scott, Alfie Thomas, Finlay McCauley, Harry Hudson, James Wells, Harry Dyer, Oli Park
Royal School Armagh
(15-9) Tristan Morris; Zakir Majid; Tom Nicholson; Matthew Watterson; Nili Tuipulotu; Josh Lowey; Will Boyd
(1-8) Niall Conn; Ashton Clarke; Cameron Dale; Josh Wilson; Adam Rolston; Jack Walbran; Jamie Rafferty; Thomas Dougan
Replacements: Billy Wilson, Tom Murugasu, Arran Scott, Sam Gray, James Reid, Reuben Finlay, Kai Sterritt, Carlton Quinn
