The match began with a bang as Dylan Gray of RBAI sliced through the Friends' defence within the first 30 seconds, scoring a try right between the posts. Rocco Steen successfully added the extras, putting RBAI ahead 7-0.
A chance came for Friends' with a penalty kick, but the resulting lineout just outside the RBAI 22 was thwarted by a resilient RBAI defence. The ball was turned over and kicked up field, relieving the pressure.
Gray nearly found the try line again, showcasing his speed down the wing, but the ball went loose into touch. Matthew Watkins, the powerhouse number 8 for RBAI, proved a constant threat in attack.
The game settled into a midfield battle for possession, with both teams displaying hunger and determination. A spectacular catch by RBAI's Jack Robinson ignited another RBAI attack, featuring another strong surge from Watkins.
Friends' showed flashes of brilliance, with Joe Rice D'Cruze making a powerful break, but the ball was lost in contact. Friends' then applied sustained pressure deep in the RBAI 22, earning three consecutive penalties. However, John Hall's attempt at goal went wide, leaving Friends' scoreless.
RBAI capitalised on their strong defence, when winger Archie Kennedy turned the ball over and launched down the wing, scoring their second try under the posts. Steen once again converted, extending the lead to 14-0.
The RBAI attack continued to surge. After a series of well-executed phases, fly-half Reuben McCullough crossed the whitewash in the 24th minute, pushing the score to 19-0.
Friends' managed to claw back before half-time. Captain, Harry Brady broke through the RBAI defence for a try under the posts, with John Hall adding the extras, bringing the score to 19-7 at the break.
HT: RBAI 19 – 7 Friends’ School Lisburn
RBAI started the second half with renewed vigour. Matthew Watkins bulldozed his way into the Friends' 22, setting up Ruairi Irons for a try. Steen's conversion stretched the lead to 26-7.
Dylan Gray threatened again with another powerful run, but the Friends' defence held firm, pushing the ball wide.
RBAI's relentless attack yielded another try, this time from replacement Oli Cooke, who touched down in the corner.
Friends' battled hard in the closing stages, launching a series of attacks deep in the RBAI 22. However, they were unable to convert their pressure into points, despite strong performances from D'Cruze and Taylor Monteith.
A try at the death for RBAI’s captain, Matthew Watkins took the final score to 38-7.
Ultimately, RBAI's early dominance and consistent pressure proved too much for Friends', securing a comprehensive victory.
Player of the Match
The Danske Bank Player of the Match award was given to captain, Matthew Watkins.
Scorers
RBAI:
TRY: Dylan Gray, Archie Kennedy, Reuben McCullough, Ruairi Irons, Oli Cooke, Matthew Watkins
CON: Rocco Steen (4)
Friends':
TRY: Harry Brady
CON: John Hall
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
15 Ryan McBride, 14 Archie Kennedy, 13 Sam Coulter, 12 Dylan Gray, 11 Jack Robinson, 10 Reuben McCullough, 9 Rocco Steen, 8 Matthew Watkins ©, 7 Ruairi Irons, 6 Leo Cunningham, 5 Will Downey, 4 Max Coulter, 3 Adam Fong, 2 Callan Blackadder, 1 Adam Sloss
Replacements
16 Paddy Gillies, 17 Max McCausland, 18 Aryan Doiphode, 19 Patrick Munce, 20 Samuel Duncan, 21 Xander Conn, 22 Rudi Manning, 23 Oli Cooke
Friends’ School Lisburn
15 Charlie Cleland, 14 Marc Conn, 13 Eddie Hall, 12 John Hall, 11 Hugo Twene, 10 Will Smyth, 9 Harry Brady ©, 8 Joe Rice D’Cruze, 7 Josiah Morrison, 6 Oliver Campbell, 5 Luke Stevens, 4 Jack Heanan, 3 Jamie Shaw, 2 Taylor Monteith, 1 Daniel Ball
Replacements
16 Gabe McMaster, 17 Aidan Lough, 18 Tyler Byrne, 19 Seth Crawford, 20 Adam Hatwell, 21 Ben Gracey, 22 Daniel Annet, 23 Lewis Irvine