Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Round-Up: Saturday 28th August 2021

A round-up of the latest schools’ rugby action, by Ulster Schools’ PRO, Barney McGonigle… On Thursday 16th August, Coleraine Grammar School hosted Foyle and Londonderry College in a 3x20 minute game scenario which was well-refereed by Jarvis Traynor. With both schools having players involved with Ulster Age Grade teams, the opportunity was taken to play extended squads of senior players in the game. The Coleraine Grammar School team scored three tries in the course of the run-out with Matthew Beveridge touching down for two and his fellow flanker, Patrick Irwin, scoring one. Out-half, Matthew Curry, was successful with two conversions. The Foyle College team scored a fine individual try through Alan Thomas Mason and had good performances from players such as Chris Boyd, Alan Chambers and Jack Gamble, especially from a defensive point of view. Both teams used upwards of 25 players over the three sessions and all involved thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On Saturday 28th August, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team and the Ulster Carpets U18 Clubs’ team travelled to play their Munster counterparts at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin. First up was the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team - a team that was playing their first Inter-Provincial game of the season. The Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team emerged from this game as deserved 22-15 winners which sets up a potential PWC IRFU Schools’ Inter-Provincial decider when the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team hosts Leinster Schools on Saturday 4th September. The overhead weather conditions at the IRFU HPC, Blanchardstown, Dublin were very warm with temperatures at 23 degrees as the game kicked off. The Munster team took an early 5-0 lead when Jacob Sheehan scored an unconverted try in the corner having taken full advantage of an Ulster handling error. The Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team responded in a very positive manner and No 8, Flynn Longstaff, punished Munster indecision to pick up and score from 5m out. Tristan Ferguson added the extras to see the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team into a 7-5 lead. Midway through the first period of play Munster Schools forced the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ pack to concede a scrum penalty. The Munster kicker, Gavin Rowsome, converted the penalty kick from 45m to see his team into an 8-7 lead-a lead they held until the interval. Shortly after the restart the Munster lead was increased to 15-7 when they scored a try through Aidan Ryan to which Gavin Rowsome added the conversion. After this setback the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team responded positively with their captain, Patrick Fullarton-Healey, leading the way. Following a successful lineout Jacob Boyd made a telling break and found James Anderson running a great line of support on his shoulder. A clever off-load paved the way for James to run in for the try. Another successful Tristan Ferguson conversion saw the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ deficit reduced to 14-15. Further Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ pressure saw Josh Stevens, their hard-working flanker, run in for the touchdown following a strong pick and go. The try was unconverted but the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team now had a 19-15 lead. In the final few minutes of the game the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ team secured their 22-15 victory when scrum half, Jonny McCracken, was successful with a penalty kick opportunity. Danske Bank Ulster U18 Schools’ team 1. Reece Braden (Omagh Academy) 2. Jake Bowden (Methodist College, Belfast,3. Jacob Boyd (Royal Belfast Academical Institution) 4. Joe Hopes (Campbell College, Belfast) 5. Patrick Fullarton-Healey (Captain) (Methodist College, Belfast) 6. James Anderson (Royal School, Armagh) 7. Josh Stevens (Methodist College, Belfast) 8. Flynn Longstaff (Campbell College, Belfast) 9. Jonny McCracken (Campbell College, Belfast) 10. Tristan Ferguson (Cambridge House Grammar School) 11. Lukas Kenny (Campbell College, Belfast) 12. Matthew Booth (Campbell College, Belfast) 13. Ryan Stewart (Royal Belfast Academical Institution) 14. Harry Hughes (Coleraine Grammar School) 15. Conor Drain (Ballymena Academy) 16. Sam Anderson (Royal School, Armagh) 17. Chris Massey (Campbell College, Belfast) 18. Josh Hanna (Wallace High School) 19. Andrew Chesney (Ballymena Academy) 20. Callum Simms (Royal Belfast Academical Institution) 21. Ben McFarlane (Methodist College, Belfast) 22. Tom Crowther (Campbell College, Belfast 23. Alex McBurney (Ballymena Academy) 24. Ben King (Ballymena Academy) Manager- Gareth Beggs Head Coach- Jonathan Gillespie Assistant Coaches- Jonathan Graham/ Kyle McCall Logistics/Kit Manager- Tarek Qutteineh Athletic Development- Josh McIlroy Physio-Jonny Crowe Doctor- Ian Kennedy Video Analyst - James Cromie Nutritionist- Anne-Marie Mulholland