In a thrilling encounter, Wallace's powerful pack and clinical finishing proved decisive, overcoming a determined Armagh side.
The match began at a frantic pace, with Thomas Dougan making an early break for Armagh, only for a knock-on to halt their progress. Armagh were first to get points on the scoreboard, however, with Evan Hughes slotting a penalty in the third minute. Wallace responded emphatically, seizing a lineout opportunity on the Armagh 5-metre line, leading to Rio McDonagh crossing for the game's first try. The conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 5-3.
Armagh hit back swiftly, Cameron Cummings powering over the line after a series of strong phases, with Hughes adding the extras. The early exchanges were intense, with both sides displaying powerful attacking strategies. Wallace’s Harry Daniel then produced a moment of brilliance with a stunning break, putting his side back on the front foot. The Wallace pack then began to exert their dominance, hammering away at the Armagh defence. This sustained pressure culminated in hooker James Gould slamming the ball down under the posts, with Josh Geddis adding the conversion, taking the score to 10-12.
Wallace continued to apply pressure, forcing a penalty on the Armagh 5-metre line, halting their opponents' attacking momentum. Ben Moore then won possession for Wallace with a powerful tackle, and the Wallace pack continued to impress. Gould made another surging run into the Armagh 22, setting the stage for McDonagh to grab his second try of the match. Geddis and Armstrong’s kicking game kept Wallace on the front foot.
Armagh fought valiantly, but Wallace's defensive resilience, coupled with their powerful pick-and-go game, kept them at bay. Cummings and Tristan Morris made strong attempts to score, but the Wallace defence, led by Quinn Armstrong’s powerful tackling, proved too strong.
At half-time, Wallace held a 17-10 lead.
Wallace continued to control the game after the interval, with McDonagh making another powerful run.. Despite Armagh's efforts, Wallace's pressure told, and centre Luke Dillon crossed for another try, with Geddis adding the conversion taking the score to 24-10.
Armagh, however, refused to give up. Gould did well to halt Charlie Reaney on the line, but Armagh captain Thomas Dougan was on hand to score once the ball was recycled, reducing the deficit to 15-24. Joshua Booth made a late surge down the wing for Wallace, but Armagh recovered well.
Ultimately, Wallace's powerful pack, clinical finishing, and strong kicking game proved decisive, with their lineout also playing a crucial role The victory marked a historic moment for the school, ending their long wait for Ulster Schools' Cup glory.
Full Time: Wallace 24 – 15 Armagh
Player of the Match
Scorers
Royal School Armagh
Tries: Cameron Cummings, Thomas Dougan
Conversion: Evan Hughes
Penalty: Evan Hughes
Wallace High School
Tries: Rio McDonagh (2), James Gould, Luke Dillon
Conversion: Josh Geddis (2)
Teams
Royal School Armagh
Tristan Morris 15, Ryan Hamilton 14, Nathan Hamilton 13, Cameron Cummings 12, Zakir Majid 11, Evan Hughes 10, Will Boyd 9, Thomas Dougan 8 ©, Sam Gray 7, Bailey Russell 6, James Reid 5, Harry Dougan 4, Cameron Dale 3, Charlie Reaney 2, Alex Stinson 1
Replacements
Matthew George 16, Harry Hutchinson 17, Ben Todd 18, Isaac Kingston 19, Finlay Starrett 20, Reuben Finlay 21, Adam Harrison 22, Matthew Watterson 23
Wallace High School
Josh Geddis 15, Daniel Wilson 14, Luke Dillon 13, Harry Daniel 12, Joshua Booth 11, Quinn Armstrong 10, Alex Stevenson 9, Sam Warwick 8, Jon Rodgers 7 ©, Ben Moore 6, Michael McCavery 5, Rhys Ewing 4, Ollie Fitzsimmons 3, James Gould 2, Rio McDonagh 1
Replacements
Odhran Cole 16, Daniel Macklin-Copeland 17, James Furphy 18, Charlie Thompson 19, Charlie Harper 20, James Curran 21, Corey Dawson-Stirling 22, Elliot Harris