Methody’s dreams of a third successive Danske Bank Schools’ Cup title are still alive after they came from behind to seal a dramatic 17-12 win over Wallace High School.
The boot of Josh Bingham and tries from captain Michael Lagan and front row colleague Steven Weir were enough for the defending champions to prevail in the first semi final. Those three were all involved as the school beat RBAI 20-5 in last year’s final.
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It was Wallace who started brightest and their shining light was outside centre Jacob Stockdale. The Ulster Schools player made three clean line breaks in the opening 20 minutes but he and his teammates were unable to capitalise.
That was until the 26th minute when Stockdale’s midfield partner Ryan Branagh showed equally impressive running skills by sidestepping and accelerating to touch down. Right wing Ryan Moore was successful with the conversion attempt, which helped make amends for an earlier penalty miss.
But it was only a matter of time before Methody showed why many had billed them as tournament favourites from the start. Rory Cairns was the first to threaten but he was bundled into touch by fullback Philip Hylands after a strong dart down the right touchline.
That phase led to a spell of pressure for Methody in the opposition half and it eventually paid off when Lagan crashed over underneath the posts. Bingham was left with the simple task of adding the extras as referee Mark Patton sounded the whistle for half time.
HT: Methodist College 7 Wallace High School 7
Wallace, undeterred by that hammer blow before the break, started the second period as well as the first and added their second try within five minutes.
Hylands proved that he was equally as adept going forward as he was at defending when he evaded two defenders to cross the whitewash in the left corner. Moore found the conversion too difficult but the Lisburn school had earned a 7-12 lead.
That advantage was almost immediately cut to just two points when Bingham landed a penalty from a ruck infringement. Despite impressive defence from Wallace, the same player also had a drop goal attempt but it sailed narrowly wide.
Methody continued to push for the decisive score with just a penalty required. Under intense pressure Wallace captain Callum Irvine was sent to the sin bin for dragging down a maul with only five minutes to play.
The driving maul was proving to be a serious weapon for the defending champs and they were rewarded just two minutes later when hooker Weir crossed from one such drive. Bingham converted again to bring the score to 17-12 in Methody’s favour.
Wallace launched a late assault on the Methody line but found no way through the white wall.
Sullivan Upper play Coleraine AI in the second Danske Bank Schools’ Cup semi final on Thursday and Methody know they will need a much improved performance on St. Patrick’s Day if they are to maintain their winning run.
Tickets are on sale for the final on Monday 17th March are on sale now (kick off 3pm).
The ‘Early Bird’ offer allows schools rugby fans in Ulster to save at least 20% if they purchase their ticket for the final before 8th March, meaning prices start at just £4 for children and £8 for adults.
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