James Hume was the hero as The Royal Belfast Academical Institution beat Campbell College 13-3 to win back-to-back Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup titles for the first time since 1948.

Hume kicked two first half penalties and converted his own last-minute try to seal a historic win for RBAI, who were on the back foot for the entire second half.

After two hugely entertaining semi-finals, a large crowd of 7,000 attended a sunny Kingspan Stadium hoping for some free-flowing rugby, but it proved to be a tightly contested affair.

RBAI enjoyed a great start to the match and when a Campbell defender was penalised for not rolling away at a ruck, outside centre Hume knocked over a straight-forward third minute penalty.

His side almost got the game’s opening try just moments later when a beautiful reverse pass by Rhys O’Donnell sent Hume through to within metres of the line, but the return pass was spilled by the lively scrumhalf.

The Campbell team grew into the game and levelled the scores in the 21st minute courtesy of a well-struck penalty by openside flanker John Crowther.

The East Belfast school was now on top and a neat scrum starter play sent Jonny Haldane charging through, but his kick for the onrushing Jack Howard was covered superbly by Inst captain Conor Field, who saved a certain score.

Neither team were able to find their way across the whitewash despite a number of line breaks, however Hume added a second penalty on the stroke of half time to give RBAI a 6-3 advantage at the interval.

Campbell started the second half much more positively and looked to have scored early in the second half, only for Ben McGavock to produce a superb tackle to thwart Jamie Macartney’s efforts to make the try line.

Crowther then had a chance from the tee to regain parity but his effort drifted to the right of the posts.

RBAI left wing Mark Keane was sin binned in the 53rd minute for a high tackle and for the next ten minutes Campbell enjoyed a large period of possession in the opposition 22. Number 8 Jack Barry-Glendinning crossed from a close range drive but there was a knock-on in the build up, much to the disappointment of the vocal Campbell support.

Even after Keane’s return, Campbell continued to apply pressure as RBAI failed to implement an effective exit strategy from their 22. Inst displayed great character and resolve to keep their line intact as Campbell produced wave after wave of attacks, in which Nicolai Koplewsky and Tom O'Toole played central roles.

Eventually Hume pounced on a loose ball and darted in from 60 metres out to dot down under the posts. He added the extras on the final whistle, which was greeted by jubilant scenes as the Inst supporters celebrated a memorable triumph.

The success means that RBAI has won both the Danske Bank Medallion Shield and the Schools’ Cup for two years running.

RBAI wins second consecutive Danske Bank Schools' Cup title

Related Articles

Club partners