RBAI won the Danske Bank Medallion Shield after they defeated Ballymena Academy 12-10 in a keenly fought contest at a sunny Queen's Sports Arena.
Ballymena struck first in the 10th minute when winger Conor Barkley finished off a sweeping backline move to cross in the left corner. Conor Agnew failed to convert leaving the County Antrim boys 5-0 in front.
Belfast Inst hit back on the 20 minute mark when flanker Charlie Cloke stretched for the line to score after some strong running from his outside backs. James Hume’s effort drifted wide so the scores were tied at 5 points a piece.
Both teams continued to shift the ball wide in the near perfect playing conditions but the score remained 5-5 until halftime.
RBAI made the stronger start to the second half and captain Michael Lowry gave his side the lead when he dived over just right of the posts. Sam Fryers added the extras to take his side 12-5 clear.
Ballymena fought back with some good phases in the final ten minutes and eventually scored a crucial try with the final play of the game - replacement Scott Agnew driving over from close range. The result of the game rested with the boot of his brother Conor but the Ballymena centre failed to pull the scores level with his conversion attempt.
That left RBAI as worthy 12-10 winners in this Danske Bank Medallion Shield final.