Queen's boasts a record 24 Senior Cup victories, their last coming in 2022. This year is the club’s third consecutive final appearance, a testament to their enduring strength in the competition. Instonians, with 19 wins, making them the second most successful team within the competition, haven't lifted the trophy since 1999, but they're determined to make it 20 wins this year. Instonians have had an incredible season in the AIL, being promoted to 2A after a record-breaking winning streak.
The 1924 final saw Queen's triumph 16-8, becoming the first team to win the cup at Ravenhill, as Kingspan Stadium was then known. Interestingly, the sides met in the finals for three consecutive years back then, with Queen's dominating those early encounters with two wins out of three. This year's rematch promises a fresh chapter in the rivalry, but the echoes of history will undoubtedly resonate as the two sides take the field.
There are intriguing connections that add another layer of interest to the match. Queen's captain Alexander Clarke will face former teammates, including fly-half Ritchie McMaster, who now plays for Instonians and kicked the winning penalty in their dramatic semi-final victory.
Instonians coach Paul Pritchard, a three-time cup winner himself, acknowledges the weight of history but believes his team can write a new chapter. He highlights their impressive run to the final, including victories over two 1A AIL teams, Ballynahinch and Armagh.“The lads have worked so hard, and they deserve it. I think the quarter-final against Ballynahinch gave us so much confidence. It is a very tough place to go for any team, that time of the year at Ballymacarn with the Hinch crowd so to go there and get that result was absolutely outstanding. We knew that we could go all the way then.”
“Everyone knows about Instonians’ story over the last few years, it is one that we are very proud of and I think it shows how far we have come. From being in a Junior playoff three years ago, to now being in the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup final, it is a huge achievement,” stated Pritchard. “We are extremely excited for Saturday. There is a real good buzz around the group.”
Queen's Assistant Coach, DJ Creighton emphasises the importance of the Cup for the university. After surviving the playoff final against Barnhall last weekend to preserve their Division 1B status in the AIL, Queen’s turn their attention to the Senior Cup. “We’re delighted to be in it again for a third year in a row, it is always something we look at at the start of the year and want to go out and win, so we are really pleased from that point of view that we are in the final on Saturday and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Creighton.
“We are just not going here on Saturday to finish our season off, we want to win this, and we want to put in a performance that the club and the rest of the university can be really proud of and hopefully come half past 5 on Saturday we can be celebrating with the Senior Cup.”
Both teams come into the final battle tested in contrasting ways. Queen's are resilient after a dramatic playoff victory and a relegation fight. These experiences have undoubtedly steeled their resolve. Instonians, on the other hand, have not played since their semi-final win on April 6th. Whether Queen's resilience or Instonians' freshness will be the winning factor remains to be seen. Both sides have their strengths, and the final promises to be a tight and tense affair.
The semi-finals themselves were nail-biting affairs. Queen's snatched victory with a last-minute penalty from Ben McFarlane, showcasing their ability to dig deep under pressure. Instonians relied on a late penalty kick from Ritchie McMaster to overcome City of Armagh. These dramatic finishes highlight the competitive spirit that burns brightly in both teams.
This year's Senior Cup final promises an exciting clash between two historic rivals. With a passionate Belfast crowd and a touch of history in the air, both Queen's and Instonians will be hungry to etch their names onto the trophy on this momentous occasion. It's a game that promises drama, skill, and a passionate display of rugby that will be a fitting tribute to the competition's rich history.