Match Reports

Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup Final | Methodist College Belfast 20 Campbell College Belfast 17

17th March 2022
Methodist College Belfast claimed the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup for the 37th time in fantastic fashion with a last-gasp victory over a formidable Campbell College at Kingspan Stadium on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Campbell had an early penalty opportunity and Peter Caves stepped up for a pop at the posts, which he nudged over to put them on the board.

Methody responded immediately, with openside Josh Stevens making a great break up the park. Centre, Lorcan Hanratty was on-hand to crash over for the try to take the lead. Ben McFarlane nudged over the conversion.

Campbell had a period of territory after Methody were pinged for off-side, but the boys in white were smart at the breakdown to get the turnover.

The Campbell side did really well to move the ball wide, Peter Caves showing nimble hands to retain the unruly ball. Methody temporarily regained possession, but Campbell made an excellent counter-ruck to poach the ball.

Methody full-back, Ben McFarlane made a couple of strong runs from deep to test the boys in black, but MCB struggled to keep possession.

Campbell had a great chance on 22 minutes with Zac Solomon going down the narrow side from the line-out, but he was held up in the corner to give Methody the 22-drop-out.

Methody showed intent when in attack, while CCB were composed in defence, which made it a tight and entertaining affair in the middle quarter of the game.

Just before the break, Campbell second row, Joe Hopes made a phenomenal break in midfield only to be brought down just short, but joint captain Zac Solomon was there to scoop the ball up and muscle over to re-take the lead and Caves expertly landed the conversion.

Campbell started the second half as they finished the first, with winger Oliver Topping squeezing his way through the gap to dot down for their second try of the afternoon. Caves made no mistake with the two points.

Methody’s Chris Bradley looked a dead cert to score but Campbell’s full-back Lukas Kenny tracked across to make a superb try-saving tackle, and subsequently the team in black earned the penalty to get out of immediate danger.

Momentum started to swing MCB’s way, and after a sustained period of pressure, second row Harry Palmer powered over and McFarlane kicked the conversion to bring them to within three points.

Methodist College had another opportunity as they drove their maul towards Campbell’s line. When the maul came to ground, they looked to move the ball wide and Lorcan Hanratty made the cross-field kick to McFarlane as they were awarded the penalty advantage, but Campbell’s Oliver Topping did well to field the ball. In the following phases, CCB’s impressive defence on their line and quick work over the ball got them the turnover.

With just eight minutes to go, Campbell were penalised for off-side within Ben McFarlane’s range. The full-back kept his 100% kicking from the tee when he nailed the penalty to bring the scores level.

MCB had another penalty opportunity just inside the Campbell half, after the Belmont Road school were caught not rolling away. McFarlane hadn’t missed a kick all afternoon, so they opted for the posts once again and McFarlane’s monster kick sailed through the uprights to put them ahead for the first time in the second half with just three minutes remaining.

Campbell had a last throw of the dice through both wingers, Oliver Topping and Peter Caves as they made two wonderful breaks in quick succession on either side of the pitch, but Methody did well to bundle Lukas Kenny into touch in the corner to see out the game and claim the title.

Full-time: Methodist College Belfast 20 Campbell College 17

Scorers

Methodist College

Tries: Lorcan Hanratty, Harry Palmer

Cons: Ben McFarlane (2)

Pens: Ben McFarlane (2)

 

Campbell College

Tries: Zac Solomon, Oliver Topping

Cons: Peter Caves (2)

Pens: Peter Caves

Line-ups

Methodist College

(15-9) Ben McFarlane, Chris Bradley, Peter O'Hagan (Capt.), Lorcan Hanratty, Joe Dickson, Ryan Lindsay, David Armstrong;

(1-8) Callum White, Johnny O'Kane, Finn McAdam, Ryan Kidd, Harry Palmer, Patrick Fullarton Healy, Josh Stevens, Michael Crothers.

Replacements: Ben Wilson, Matteo McLaughlin, Harry Pratt, Josh McAdam, Ben Neill, Liam Black, Jacob Kelly, Lewis Doherty.

Campbell College

(15-9) Lukas Kenny, Oliver Topping, Matthew Booth, Cal Florence, Peter Caves, Tom Crowther (JC), Johnny McCracken;

(1-8) Cameron Hillis, Zac Solomon (JC), Darragh Hanlon, Alexander Brennan, Joe Hopes, Oliver McCauley, Luke Johnston, Flynn Longstaff.

Replacements: Chris Massey, Lucas Perez de Leza, Matthew Murphy, Reece Bell, Cameron Faith, Henry Johnston, Matthew Rea, Stuart Johnston.

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