The weather could not deter much of the Ulster Schools' rugby programme from going ahead as scheduled at the weekend.
Ulster Schools’ Round-Up Saturday 5th December 2015
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There were Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd and 3rd XV Cup games played during the week, as well as a visit from the Victoria Schools’ Under 16 squad to Limavady Grammar School.
And in the lead-up to a good range of fixtures played on Saturday 5th December a couple of midweek friendly fixtures were played as well.
On Tuesday Limavady Grammar School hosted two teams representing the Victoria Schools’ U16 squad which is on a tour which takes in games in Dublin, Limavady, Scotland, Wales, England, Belgium and France. The Victoria Schools’ squads are regular tourists against schools from Ulster having last played in Limavady six years ago.
In their previous visit to the Province, three years ago, they played Foyle and Londonderry College. They took the opportunity to take in local landmarks such as the Titanic Centre and Belfast City while en route to Limavady from Dublin. When close the North Coast the Australian visitors visited the Giants Causeway prior to the games against Limavady Grammar School.
The Australians won both their games against Limavady Grammar School with the first team winning by 31-8 and the second team winning by 41-12. The Australian Management and players were delighted with the reception they received from the staff, parents and players at Limavady Grammar School, rating the hosting they received as “exceptional” and asked for thanks to be passed on to all attached to Limavady Grammar School involved in all aspects of their successful visit.
Both the games were fast and physical with both sides looking to play good rugby on a crisp afternoon in the North West.
LIMAVADY GS FIRST XV 8 – 31 VICTORIA SCHOOLS U16 ‘A’
In the Grammar Schools Firsts’ match the visitors took an early lead, capitalising on a Limavady mistake to barge over on the corner, Sione Tui getting the touchdown.
They scored again quickly with some expansive running and power play to take a 12-0 lead early in the game, with Phoenix Hunt converting Tobias Sanerive’s try. Limavady started to get a foothold in the game thanks to strong running from Ethan Sherrard, Aaron Rathfield and Gareth Kee who looked dangerous on the wing. Some indiscipline from the touring team saw them concede three points from a penalty in front of the posts.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout the half and finished with a well-worked score from a scrum inside the Limavady ‘22’, the move finished with the Victorian Schools centre Sweet Cook crashing over the line, Hunt again adding the extras for a 19-3 interval lead.
On the restart Limavady reorganised and, after a period of pressure, was able to pull back an excellent score in the corner through Gareth Kee. At 19-8 the Grammar School thought it was back in the game, but Tui scored his second of the game and Jamarl Firebrace ran in for a try which he converted for the visitors to complete a 31-8 win.
The Australians’ size and pace took its toll on the home side which played well throughout but was unable to stop a talented and passionate Australian side.
LIMAVADY GS 2nd X 12 – 41 VICTORIA SCHOOLS U16 ‘B’
The Limavady’s 2nd XV produced one of its best performances of the season against a strong Victoria Schools’ U16 ‘B’ team despite a 41-12 defeat.
The Grammar School went in at half-time just 14-12 down having played some excellent rugby, and with ‘Man of the Match’ Jamie Young having an excellent game at out-half.
But as in the senior match the size and strength of the tourists allowed them to dominate the last twenty minutes of the game and run out emphatic winners on the scoreboard.
BALLYMENA ACADEMY 36 – 5 CLONGOWES WOOD
Ballymena Academy made the journey to Clane in Co Kildare on Wednesday to take on the might of Clongowes Wood College and returned with a fine 36-5 win.
Both teams used the game as an opportunity to play all members of their extended senior squads, and at the end of an evenly contested first half the score was 5-5, Oisin Jordan scoring an unconverted try for the Academy.
The Ballymena team, with Alexander Clarke, Marcus Rea and Jonny McKeown to the fore, pulled away in the second half and went on to record an impressive victory. Azur Allison touched down twice, with Marcus Rea, Angus Kernohan and Bruce Houston scoring one try each. Michael Stronge was successful with three conversions.
LIMAVADY GS 0 – 57 PORTORA RS
Limavady Grammar hosted Portora Royal on Wednesday last in a game the Enniskillen team won 57-0.
The Portora side scored nine tries in all, Robert Baloucoune with a brace and Ryan Egerton, Connor Keyes, Adam Bowles, Matthew Dane, Angus Keyes, Reece Barrett and Morgan Bruce all touched down. Reece Smyton was successful with six conversion kicks.
AROUND THE CUPS
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution travelled to Campbell College and returned home having recorded an 11-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Plate Banbridge Academy with a 17-5 win at Foyle and Londonderry College, and returned home having recorded a 17-5 victory, while in the Preliminary Round of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College, Belfast Fourths recorded a 36-7 win against Rainey Endowed School Thirds.
In the first round proper of the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution Fifths defeated Coleraine Grammar School Thirds by 28-0, while in the same competition Campbell College Thirds beat Belfast Royal Academy 3rd XV at Roughfort 36-7.
Despite the difficult weather conditions prevalent on Saturday 5th quite a few school games still took place.
Unfortunately the Ballymena Academy game with Down High School was cancelled due to a tragedy in the family of one of the Ballymena Academy players, and the thoughts of everyone associated with Ulster Schools’ Rugby are with his family at this trying, sad time.
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Wallace High School travelled to play Sullivan Upper School, returning from Holywood after a hard fought encounter with a 12-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College Thirds beat defeated Campbell College Fourths 12-3.
SULLIVAN UPPER 5 - 33 WALLACE HS
Wallace High School had a convincing win at Sullivan Upper by 33-5 in Holywood.
Wallace, with Ulster and Ireland Schools’ scrum- half Jonny Stewart excelling, built up a 26-0 lead by the interval, scoring four tries through Nick Woods, twice, Jamie Maunderson and Jack Brown. Matthew Pentland was successful with three first half conversions.
The early stages of the second half saw the visitors’ lead extended to 33-0 when Ryan Malley touched down for a try which Pentland converted. Now playing with the elements the Sullivan side displayed great determination and took the game to Wallace.
But the Wallace defence was well-organised and gave nothing away until the final play of the game when Sullivan got some reward when Luke Coulter scrambled over for an unconverted try to complete the 33-5 scoreline.
COLERAINE GS 12 - 5 BRA
Coleraine Grammar School continued its recent run of good form with a 12-5 victory over Belfast Royal Academy.
The Coleraine side built up a 12-5 lead by the break with tries from Matthew Norris and Niall Cameron, Callum Smith converting one of the tries.
The Belfast Royal Academy points came through an unconverted try from Matthew Dalton.
Both teams worked hard in the second half to overcome the inclement weather conditions but there were no further scores.
The Coleraine pack, with captain David Greatorex to the fore, laid the foundations for this win, with the skipper ably assisted by his second row pairing of Max Bailie and Peter Wisener. And full-back Marc Welsh impressed in both attack and defence throughout.
WELLINGTON COLLEGE 12 – 7 CARRICKFERGUS GS
Wellington College won a very closely contested game with Carrickfergus Grammar by 12-7.
The Wellington College points came from Glen Higgins' try, converted by Jamie Hewitt who was also successful with a penalty kick.
The Carrick points came from a Fionn McCormack converted try.
RS ARMAGH 0 – 47 RAINEY ENDOWED
Royal School, Armagh hosted an in-form Rainey Endowed team which showed it’s hitting a run of good form at just the right time with a 42-point win.
Rainey team took an early 7-0 lead when Anton Lupari drove over from a lineout to touch down for a try improved by Lorcan Quinn. Moments later a similar scenario saw Cameron Stewart and Lupari combine to present Anton with his second try for a 12-0 lead.
In the ascendant now Rainey made it pay and a break from full-back Matthew Mulholland provided winger Michael Lynn with the try scoring opportunity which Quinn converted for a 19-0 lead. And with the interval beckoning Quinn took advantage of a strong Rainey scrum to nip in for an unconverted try and a 24-0 half-time advantage.
Playing into the wind in the second half the Magherafelt school moved further ahead with a Quinn penalty, then Lupari completed his hat-trick when he barged over for an unconverted try. Adam Currie ran in for an unconverted try to increase the Rainey Endowed lead to 37-0, and in the closing moments an interchange of passes involving forwards and backs finished with Stewart putting Neal Hastings in for a try in the corner to complete an impressive at Armagh.
BANBRIDGE ACADEMY 12 – 22 RS DUNGANNON
Although eventually beaten 22-12 at home by Royal School, Dungannon, Banbridge Academy started brightly and built up a 12-5 lead by the break.
Dungannon took an early 5-0 lead when Josh Patton crossed the Academy whitewash to for an unconverted try. The home responded positively and dominated territory and possession for most of the remainder of the first half. In the 12th minute the scores were levelled when Academy winger Jack Dolagan ran in for an unconverted try.
And just before the break the home team went 12-5 ahead, Jonny Campbell finishing off some quality handling from his fellow forwards with a try which Tom Flanagan converted.
Dungannon team started the second half strongly, the pack gaining the “hard yards” and the backs impressing with the ball in hand, then a solid scrum paved the way for a Nicholas Graham try in the corner. From the restart good game management skills from Adam Evans took play back into the Banbridge ‘22’ and from another attacking scrum Patton picked the ball up and a clever off-load to Peter Doran saw him finish with a try under the posts which Evans converted for a 17-12 lead.
Aaron McCammon then scored an unconverted try to increase that lead, and though Academy rallied centre Ross Cartmill, making a successful return from injury, and industrious No 8, Peter Heaney could find no way through the Dungannon defence and the visitors ended as 22-12 winners.
GROSVENOR GS 10 – 14 WESLEY COLLEGE
Grosvenor Grammar School hosted Wesley College, Dublin in a hard-fought encounter which the visitors won 14-10 with the last play of the game.
Playing into a strong wind Grosvenor dominated proceedings in the first half with good control of the lineouts and well-organised driven mauls. A Wesley offence at one such maul allowed Adam Skelton to convert the penalty to put his side into a 3-0 lead.
Back row domination at the breakdown provided Andrew Boyd with the opportunity to score a try, Skelton adding the extras to put Grosvenor into a 10-0 lead at the break.
In the course of the second half the Grosvenor was unable to dominate as before, and the Wesley team scored a converted try midway through the second period to reduce the arrears.
And with the final move of the game Wesley secured a 14-10 victory with a converted try under the Grosvenor posts.
FRIENDS’ 31 – 5 ANTRIM GS
Friends’ School, Lisburn, overcame Antrim Grammar School at the weekend by an emphatic scoreline of 31-5.
Friends' built up a 17-0 lead by the interval with tries from Adam Scoffield, Ross Stewart and Ross Gillespie and David Stewart was successful with one conversion.
Captain James Maxwell scored a try shortly after the restart, David Stewart’s conversion stretching his team’s to 24-0. Curtis Dundas then capped a fine personal performance when he outwitted the Antrim defence to run in for a try, David Stewart converting to improve the lead to 31-0.
Antrim never lacked endeavour throughout and got some reward when a well-organised drive saw the pack drive over for an unconverted try to complete the 31-5 scoreline.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 12 – 22 LURGAN COLLEGE
Cambridge House caused a few problems for the Lurgan College team before the Armagh team secured a hard-earned 22-12 victory in a game scheduled for Ballymena but switched to Lurgan Rugby Club because of the weather.
Lurgan took an early lead when James Patterson and Peter Jackson combined to put prop Ryan Emerson in for an unconverted try in the corner. Cambridge House recovered and good work from the pack presented Reuben Russell with an unconverted try.
Just before the interval, and somewhat against the run of play, the Lurgan team took advantage of a Cambridge House mistake, Rory Burns and Victor Makensie in tandem sending Emerson in for his second try of the game. Robbie Norton added the extras to put the Lurgan College into a 12-5 lead at half-time.
Playing with the wind in the second half Cambridge House started well, Harry Spiers displaying great ball-carrying skills when he broke through the Lurgan defence, ‘fixed’ the final defender, and sent Travis Boyd in for a converted try which drew the scores level at 12-12.
The intensity of the Cambridge House performance was raised now, and but for three try-saving tackles from Lurgan full-back Norton there might have been a different outcome to the game.
But the storm as weathered and Lurgan College secured a 22-12 victory with two unconverted tries in the last quarter of the game, the first from Year 12 No 8 Reuben McCreery, and then from their experienced scrum-half Scott Wilson.
BANGOR GS 22 – 19 DALRIADA
Bangor Grammar School earned a thrilling 22-19 victory over Dalriada in a match played on a wet, but firm, pitch with both teams trying to play positively with the ball in hand.
Bangor enjoyed early territorial advantage and Zack Kerr opened the account with a 40-metre penalty for a 3-0 lead. The Bangor forwards continued their period of dominance, carrying the ball effectively in the blustery conditions. Well-presented ball was used to good effect and Zack Kerr showed his talents when he side-stepped his opposite number in his own half and then finished the move off with a try which he converted for a 10-0 lead.
This seemed to spur the Dalriada team into action and a Bangor mistake just before the break was seized upon and Denis Posternak went in for an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to five points at the interval.
The second half saw the Bangor playing into the wind, and from a Dalriada error the North Down side gained good field position and excellent play from the home pack led to an unconverted try from Evan Willard-McMillan.
Dalriada reduced the arrears to 15-12 when Matthew McConaghie scored a try which Stewart Moore converted, but Ulster Schools’ flanker Matthew Agnew then increased the Bangor lead when his determination saw him touch down for a try converted by Kerr.
Dalriada replied with a try from Matthew Lockhart, converted by Stewart Moore, to leave Bangor Grammar 22-19 winners.
REGENT HOUSE 67 – 12 BELFAST HS
Regent House were the top points scorers of the weekend with following the 67-12 win over Belfast High School.
The Newtownards team scored nine tries, eight of which were converted, and added two successful penalties
BALLYMENA ACADEMY 36 – 5 CLONGOWES WOOD
Ballymena Academy made the journey to Clane in Co Kildare on Wednesday to take on the might of Clongowes Wood College and returned with a fine 36-5 win.
Both teams used the game as an opportunity to play all members of their extended senior squads, and at the end of an evenly contested first half the score was 5-5, Oisin Jordan scoring an unconverted try for the Academy.
The Ballymena team, with Alexander Clarke, Marcus Rea and Jonny McKeown to the fore, pulled away in the second half and went on to record an impressive victory. Azur Allison touched down twice, with Marcus Rea, Angus Kernohan and Bruce Houston scoring one try each. Michael Stronge was successful with three conversions.
LIMAVADY GS 0 – 57 PORTORA RS
Limavady Grammar hosted Portora Royal on Wednesday last in a game the Enniskillen team won 57-0.
The Portora side scored nine tries in all, Robert Baloucoune with a brace and Ryan Egerton, Connor Keyes, Adam Bowles, Matthew Dane, Angus Keyes, Reece Barrett and Morgan Bruce all touched down. Reece Smyton was successful with six conversion kicks.
AROUND THE CUPS
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution travelled to Campbell College and returned home having recorded an 11-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Plate Banbridge Academy with a 17-5 win at Foyle and Londonderry College, and returned home having recorded a 17-5 victory, while in the Preliminary Round of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College, Belfast Fourths recorded a 36-7 win against Rainey Endowed School Thirds.
In the first round proper of the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution Fifths defeated Coleraine Grammar School Thirds by 28-0, while in the same competition Campbell College Thirds beat Belfast Royal Academy 3rd XV at Roughfort 36-7.
Despite the difficult weather conditions prevalent on Saturday 5th quite a few school games still took place.
Unfortunately the Ballymena Academy game with Down High School was cancelled due to a tragedy in the family of one of the Ballymena Academy players, and the thoughts of everyone associated with Ulster Schools’ Rugby are with his family at this trying, sad time.
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Wallace High School travelled to play Sullivan Upper School, returning from Holywood after a hard fought encounter with a 12-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College Thirds beat defeated Campbell College Fourths 12-3.
SULLIVAN UPPER 5 - 33 WALLACE HS
Wallace High School had a convincing win at Sullivan Upper by 33-5 in Holywood.
Wallace, with Ulster and Ireland Schools’ scrum- half Jonny Stewart excelling, built up a 26-0 lead by the interval, scoring four tries through Nick Woods, twice, Jamie Maunderson and Jack Brown. Matthew Pentland was successful with three first half conversions.
The early stages of the second half saw the visitors’ lead extended to 33-0 when Ryan Malley touched down for a try which Pentland converted. Now playing with the elements the Sullivan side displayed great determination and took the game to Wallace.
But the Wallace defence was well-organised and gave nothing away until the final play of the game when Sullivan got some reward when Luke Coulter scrambled over for an unconverted try to complete the 33-5 scoreline.
COLERAINE GS 12-5 BRA
Coleraine Grammar School continued its recent run of good form with a 12-5 victory over Belfast Royal Academy.
The Coleraine side built up a 12-5 lead by the break with tries from Matthew Norris and Niall Cameron, Callum Smith converting one of the tries.
The Belfast Royal Academy points came through an unconverted try from Matthew Dalton.
Both teams worked hard in the second half to overcome the inclement weather conditions but there were no further scores.
The Coleraine GS pack, with captain David Greatorex to the fore, laid the foundations for this win, with the skipper ably assisted by his second row pairing of Max Bailie and Peter Wisener. And full-back Marc Welsh impressed in both attack and defence throughout.
WELLINGTON COLLEGE 12 – 7 CARRICKFERGUS GS
Wellington College won a very closely contested game with Carrickfergus Grammar by 12-7.
The Wellington College points came from Glen Higgins try, converted by Jamie Hewitt who was also successful with a penalty kick.
The Carrick points came from a Fionn McCormack converted try.
RS ARMAGH 0 – 47 RAINEY ENDOWED
Royal School, Armagh hosted an in-form Rainey Endowed team which showed it’s hitting a run of good form at just the right time with a 42-point win.
Rainey took an early 7-0 lead when Anton Lupari drove over from a lineout to touch down for a try improved by Lorcan Quinn. Moments later a similar scenario saw Cameron Stewart and Lupari combine to present Anton with his second try for a 12-0 lead.
In the ascendant now Rainey made it pay and a break from full-back Matthew Mulholland provided winger Michael Lynn with the try scoring opportunity which Quinn converted for a 19-0 lead. And with the interval beckoning Quinn took advantage of a strong Rainey scrum to nip in for an unconverted try and a 24-0 half-time advantage.
Playing into the wind in the second half the Magherafelt school moved further ahead with a Quinn penalty, then Lupari completed his hat-trick when he barged over for an unconverted try. Adam Currie ran in for an unconverted try to increase the Rainey Endowed lead to 37-0, and in the closing moments an interchange of passes involving forwards and backs finished with Stewart putting Neal Hastings in for a try in the corner to complete an impressive at Armagh.
BANBRIDGE ACADEMY 12 – 22 RS DUNGANNON
Although eventually beaten 22-12 at home by Royal School, Dungannon, it was Banbridge Academy which started brightly and built up a 12-5 lead by the break.
Dungannon took an early 5-0 lead when Josh Patton crossed the Academy whitewash to for an unconverted try. The home responded positively and dominated territory and possession for most of the remainder of the first half. In the 12th minute the scores were levelled when Academy winger Jack Dolagan ran in for an unconverted try.
And just before the break the home team went 12-5 ahead, Jonny Campbell finishing off some quality handling from his fellow forwards with a try which Tom Flanagan converted.
Dungannon team started the second half strongly, the pack gaining the “hard yards” and the backs impressing with the ball in hand, then a solid scrum paved the way for a Nicholas Graham try in the corner. From the restart good game management skills from Adam Evans took play back into the Banbridge ‘22’ and from another attacking scrum Patton picked the ball up and a clever off-load to Peter Doran saw him finish with a try under the posts which Evans converted for a 17-12 lead.
Aaron McCammon then scored an unconverted try to increase that lead, and though Academy rallied centre Ross Cartmill, making a successful return from injury, and industrious No 8, Peter Heaney could find no way through the Dungannon defence and the visitors ended as 22-12 winners.
GROSVENOR GS 10 – 14 WESLEY COLLEGE
Grosvenor Grammar School hosted Wesley College, Dublin in a hard-fought encounter which the visitors won 14-10 with the last play of the game.
Playing into a strong wind Grosvenor dominated proceedings in the first half with good control of the lineouts and well-organised driven mauls. A Wesley offence at one such maul allowed Adam Skelton to convert the penalty to put his side into a 3-0 lead.
Back row domination at the breakdown provided Andrew Boyd with the opportunity to score a try, Skelton adding the extras to put Grosvenor into a 10-0 lead at the break.
In the course of the second half the Grosvenor was unable to dominate as before, and the Wesley team scored a converted try midway through the second period to reduce the arrears.
And with the final move of the game Wesley secured a 14-10 victory with a converted try under the Grosvenor posts.
FRIENDS’ 31 – 5 ANTRIM GS
Friends’ School, Lisburn, overcame Antrim Grammar School at the weekend by an emphatic scoreline of 31-5.
Friends’ School team built up a 17-0 lead by the interval with tries from Adam Scoffield, Ross Stewart and Ross Gillespie and David Stewart was successful with one conversion.
Captain James Maxwell scored a try shortly after the restart, David Stewart’s conversion stretching his team’s to 24-0. Curtis Dundas then capped a fine personal performance when he outwitted the Antrim defence to run in for a try, David Stewart converting to improve the lead to 31-0.
Antrim never lacked endeavour throughout and got some reward when a well-organised drive saw the pack drive over for an unconverted try to complete the 31-5 scoreline.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 12 – 22 LURGAN COLLEGE
Cambridge House caused a few problems for the Lurgan College team before the Armagh team secured a hard-earned 22-12 victory in a game scheduled for Ballymena but switched to Lurgan Rugby Club because of the weather.
Lurgan took an early lead when James Patterson and Peter Jackson combined to put prop Ryan Emerson in for an unconverted try in the corner. Cambridge House recovered and good work from the pack presented Reuben Russell with an unconverted try.
Just before the interval, and somewhat against the run of play, the Lurgan team took advantage of a Cambridge House mistake, Rory Burns and Victor Makensie in tandem sending Emerson in for his second try of the game. Robbie Norton added the extras to put the Lurgan College into a 12-5 lead at half-time.
Playing with the wind in the second half Cambridge House started well, Harry Spiers displaying great ball-carrying skills when he broke through the Lurgan defence, ‘fixed’ the final defender, and sent Travis Boyd in for a converted try which drew the scores level at 12-12.
The intensity of the Cambridge House performance was raised now, and but for three try-saving tackles from Lurgan full-back Norton there might have been a different outcome to the game.
But the storm as weathered and Lurgan College secured a 22-12 victory with two unconverted tries in the last quarter of the game, the first from Year 12 No 8 Reuben McCreery, and then from their experienced scrum-half Scott Wilson.
BANGOR GS 22 – 19 DALRIADA
Bangor Grammar School earned a thrilling 22-19 victory over Dalriada in a match played on a wet, but firm, pitch with both teams trying to play positively with the ball in hand.
Bangor enjoyed early territorial advantage and Zack Kerr opened the account with a 40-metre penalty for a 3-0 lead. The Bangor forwards continued their period of dominance, carrying the ball effectively in the blustery conditions. Well-presented ball was used to good effect and Zack Kerr showed his talents when he side-stepped his opposite number in his own half and then finished the move off with a try which he converted for a 10-0 lead.
This seemed to spur the Dalriada team into action and a Bangor mistake just before the break was seized upon and Denis Posternak went in for an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to five points at the interval.
The second half saw the Bangor playing into the wind, and from a Dalriada error the North Down side gained good field position and excellent play from the home pack led to an unconverted try from Evan Willard-McMillan.
Dalriada reduced the arrears to 15-12 when Matthew McConaghie scored a try which Stewart Moore converted, but Ulster Schools’ flanker Matthew Agnew then increased the Bangor lead when his determination saw him touch down for a try converted by Kerr.
Dalriada replied with a try from Matthew Lockhart, converted by Stewart Moore, to leave Bangor Grammar 22-19 winners.
REGENT HOUSE 67 – 12 BELFAST HS
Regent House were the top points scorers of the weekend with following the 67-12 win over Belfast High School.
The Newtownards team scored nine tries, eight of which were converted, and added two successful penalty kicks. Skipper Arthur Donnan, capped a fine personal performance with a hat-trick of tries, Robert Hull scored two, with Josh Crossan, Jack Smith, Brandon Frazer and Ulster Schools’ prop Kyle Van Gleisen all touching down. Robbie Johnston kicked 22 points in a fine performance with the boot.
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ player Tyler Arnold impressed with his performance for the High School team even in heavy defeat and was responsible for the points his team scored.
METHODIST COLLEGE 0 – 19 CAMPBELL COLLEGE
The big game of the day was at Pirrie Park where Methodist College went down 19-0 to great Belfast rivals Campbell College.
Campbell dominated the forward exchanges and scored three tries in the course of the game, Tom O’Toole scored twice and Marcus Collim also touching down.
Jonny Haldane was successful with two conversion kicks to secure the 19-0 victory for the Campbell College team.
The scheduled game between Omagh Academy and Foyle and Londonderry College fell victim to Saturday’s inclement weather.
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Ulster Schools’ Round-Up Saturday 5th December 2015
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There were Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd and 3rd XV Cup games played during the week, as well as a visit from the Victoria Schools’ Under 16 squad to Limavady Grammar School.
And in the lead-up to a good range of fixtures played on Saturday 5th December a couple of midweek friendly fixtures were played as well.
On Tuesday Limavady Grammar School hosted two teams representing the Victoria Schools’ U16 squad which is on a tour which takes in games in Dublin, Limavady, Scotland, Wales, England, Belgium and France. The Victoria Schools’ squads are regular tourists against schools from Ulster having last played in Limavady six years ago.
In their previous visit to the Province, three years ago, they played Foyle and Londonderry College. They took the opportunity to take in local landmarks such as the Titanic Centre and Belfast City while en route to Limavady from Dublin. When close the North Coast the Australian visitors visited the Giants Causeway prior to the games against Limavady Grammar School.
The Australians won both their games against Limavady Grammar School with the first team winning by 31-8 and the second team winning by 41-12. The Australian Management and players were delighted with the reception they received from the staff, parents and players at Limavady Grammar School, rating the hosting they received as “exceptional” and asked for thanks to be passed on to all attached to Limavady Grammar School involved in all aspects of their successful visit.
Both the games were fast and physical with both sides looking to play good rugby on a crisp afternoon in the North West.
LIMAVADY GS FIRST XV 8 – 31 VICTORIA SCHOOLS U16 ‘A’
In the Grammar Schools Firsts’ match the visitors took an early lead, capitalising on a Limavady mistake to barge over on the corner, Sione Tui getting the touchdown.
They scored again quickly with some expansive running and power play to take a 12-0 lead early in the game, with Phoenix Hunt converting Tobias Sanerive’s try. Limavady started to get a foothold in the game thanks to strong running from Ethan Sherrard, Aaron Rathfield and Gareth Kee who looked dangerous on the wing. Some indiscipline from the touring team saw them concede three points from a penalty in front of the posts.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout the half and finished with a well-worked score from a scrum inside the Limavady ‘22’, the move finished with the Victorian Schools centre Sweet Cook crashing over the line, Hunt again adding the extras for a 19-3 interval lead.
On the restart Limavady reorganised and, after a period of pressure, was able to pull back an excellent score in the corner through Gareth Kee. At 19-8 the Grammar School thought it was back in the game, but Tui scored his second of the game and Jamarl Firebrace ran in for a try which he converted for the visitors to complete a 31-8 win.
The Australians’ size and pace took its toll on the home side which played well throughout but was unable to stop a talented and passionate Australian side.
LIMAVADY GS 2nd X 12 – 41 VICTORIA SCHOOLS U16 ‘B’
The Limavady’s 2nd XV produced one of its best performances of the season against a strong Victoria Schools’ U16 ‘B’ team despite a 41-12 defeat.
The Grammar School went in at half-time just 14-12 down having played some excellent rugby, and with ‘Man of the Match’ Jamie Young having an excellent game at out-half.
But as in the senior match the size and strength of the tourists allowed them to dominate the last twenty minutes of the game and run out emphatic winners on the scoreboard.
BALLYMENA ACADEMY 36 – 5 CLONGOWES WOOD
Ballymena Academy made the journey to Clane in Co Kildare on Wednesday to take on the might of Clongowes Wood College and returned with a fine 36-5 win.
Both teams used the game as an opportunity to play all members of their extended senior squads, and at the end of an evenly contested first half the score was 5-5, Oisin Jordan scoring an unconverted try for the Academy.
The Ballymena team, with Alexander Clarke, Marcus Rea and Jonny McKeown to the fore, pulled away in the second half and went on to record an impressive victory. Azur Allison touched down twice, with Marcus Rea, Angus Kernohan and Bruce Houston scoring one try each. Michael Stronge was successful with three conversions.
LIMAVADY GS 0 – 57 PORTORA RS
Limavady Grammar hosted Portora Royal on Wednesday last in a game the Enniskillen team won 57-0.
The Portora side scored nine tries in all, Robert Baloucoune with a brace and Ryan Egerton, Connor Keyes, Adam Bowles, Matthew Dane, Angus Keyes, Reece Barrett and Morgan Bruce all touched down. Reece Smyton was successful with six conversion kicks.
AROUND THE CUPS
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution travelled to Campbell College and returned home having recorded an 11-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Plate Banbridge Academy with a 17-5 win at Foyle and Londonderry College, and returned home having recorded a 17-5 victory, while in the Preliminary Round of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College, Belfast Fourths recorded a 36-7 win against Rainey Endowed School Thirds.
In the first round proper of the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution Fifths defeated Coleraine Grammar School Thirds by 28-0, while in the same competition Campbell College Thirds beat Belfast Royal Academy 3rd XV at Roughfort 36-7.
Despite the difficult weather conditions prevalent on Saturday 5th quite a few school games still took place.
Unfortunately the Ballymena Academy game with Down High School was cancelled due to a tragedy in the family of one of the Ballymena Academy players, and the thoughts of everyone associated with Ulster Schools’ Rugby are with his family at this trying, sad time.
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Wallace High School travelled to play Sullivan Upper School, returning from Holywood after a hard fought encounter with a 12-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College Thirds beat defeated Campbell College Fourths 12-3.
SULLIVAN UPPER 5 - 33 WALLACE HS
Wallace High School had a convincing win at Sullivan Upper by 33-5 in Holywood.
Wallace, with Ulster and Ireland Schools’ scrum- half Jonny Stewart excelling, built up a 26-0 lead by the interval, scoring four tries through Nick Woods, twice, Jamie Maunderson and Jack Brown. Matthew Pentland was successful with three first half conversions.
The early stages of the second half saw the visitors’ lead extended to 33-0 when Ryan Malley touched down for a try which Pentland converted. Now playing with the elements the Sullivan side displayed great determination and took the game to Wallace.
But the Wallace defence was well-organised and gave nothing away until the final play of the game when Sullivan got some reward when Luke Coulter scrambled over for an unconverted try to complete the 33-5 scoreline.
COLERAINE GS 12 - 5 BRA
Coleraine Grammar School continued its recent run of good form with a 12-5 victory over Belfast Royal Academy.
The Coleraine side built up a 12-5 lead by the break with tries from Matthew Norris and Niall Cameron, Callum Smith converting one of the tries.
The Belfast Royal Academy points came through an unconverted try from Matthew Dalton.
Both teams worked hard in the second half to overcome the inclement weather conditions but there were no further scores.
The Coleraine pack, with captain David Greatorex to the fore, laid the foundations for this win, with the skipper ably assisted by his second row pairing of Max Bailie and Peter Wisener. And full-back Marc Welsh impressed in both attack and defence throughout.
WELLINGTON COLLEGE 12 – 7 CARRICKFERGUS GS
Wellington College won a very closely contested game with Carrickfergus Grammar by 12-7.
The Wellington College points came from Glen Higgins' try, converted by Jamie Hewitt who was also successful with a penalty kick.
The Carrick points came from a Fionn McCormack converted try.
RS ARMAGH 0 – 47 RAINEY ENDOWED
Royal School, Armagh hosted an in-form Rainey Endowed team which showed it’s hitting a run of good form at just the right time with a 42-point win.
Rainey team took an early 7-0 lead when Anton Lupari drove over from a lineout to touch down for a try improved by Lorcan Quinn. Moments later a similar scenario saw Cameron Stewart and Lupari combine to present Anton with his second try for a 12-0 lead.
In the ascendant now Rainey made it pay and a break from full-back Matthew Mulholland provided winger Michael Lynn with the try scoring opportunity which Quinn converted for a 19-0 lead. And with the interval beckoning Quinn took advantage of a strong Rainey scrum to nip in for an unconverted try and a 24-0 half-time advantage.
Playing into the wind in the second half the Magherafelt school moved further ahead with a Quinn penalty, then Lupari completed his hat-trick when he barged over for an unconverted try. Adam Currie ran in for an unconverted try to increase the Rainey Endowed lead to 37-0, and in the closing moments an interchange of passes involving forwards and backs finished with Stewart putting Neal Hastings in for a try in the corner to complete an impressive at Armagh.
BANBRIDGE ACADEMY 12 – 22 RS DUNGANNON
Although eventually beaten 22-12 at home by Royal School, Dungannon, Banbridge Academy started brightly and built up a 12-5 lead by the break.
Dungannon took an early 5-0 lead when Josh Patton crossed the Academy whitewash to for an unconverted try. The home responded positively and dominated territory and possession for most of the remainder of the first half. In the 12th minute the scores were levelled when Academy winger Jack Dolagan ran in for an unconverted try.
And just before the break the home team went 12-5 ahead, Jonny Campbell finishing off some quality handling from his fellow forwards with a try which Tom Flanagan converted.
Dungannon team started the second half strongly, the pack gaining the “hard yards” and the backs impressing with the ball in hand, then a solid scrum paved the way for a Nicholas Graham try in the corner. From the restart good game management skills from Adam Evans took play back into the Banbridge ‘22’ and from another attacking scrum Patton picked the ball up and a clever off-load to Peter Doran saw him finish with a try under the posts which Evans converted for a 17-12 lead.
Aaron McCammon then scored an unconverted try to increase that lead, and though Academy rallied centre Ross Cartmill, making a successful return from injury, and industrious No 8, Peter Heaney could find no way through the Dungannon defence and the visitors ended as 22-12 winners.
GROSVENOR GS 10 – 14 WESLEY COLLEGE
Grosvenor Grammar School hosted Wesley College, Dublin in a hard-fought encounter which the visitors won 14-10 with the last play of the game.
Playing into a strong wind Grosvenor dominated proceedings in the first half with good control of the lineouts and well-organised driven mauls. A Wesley offence at one such maul allowed Adam Skelton to convert the penalty to put his side into a 3-0 lead.
Back row domination at the breakdown provided Andrew Boyd with the opportunity to score a try, Skelton adding the extras to put Grosvenor into a 10-0 lead at the break.
In the course of the second half the Grosvenor was unable to dominate as before, and the Wesley team scored a converted try midway through the second period to reduce the arrears.
And with the final move of the game Wesley secured a 14-10 victory with a converted try under the Grosvenor posts.
FRIENDS’ 31 – 5 ANTRIM GS
Friends’ School, Lisburn, overcame Antrim Grammar School at the weekend by an emphatic scoreline of 31-5.
Friends' built up a 17-0 lead by the interval with tries from Adam Scoffield, Ross Stewart and Ross Gillespie and David Stewart was successful with one conversion.
Captain James Maxwell scored a try shortly after the restart, David Stewart’s conversion stretching his team’s to 24-0. Curtis Dundas then capped a fine personal performance when he outwitted the Antrim defence to run in for a try, David Stewart converting to improve the lead to 31-0.
Antrim never lacked endeavour throughout and got some reward when a well-organised drive saw the pack drive over for an unconverted try to complete the 31-5 scoreline.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 12 – 22 LURGAN COLLEGE
Cambridge House caused a few problems for the Lurgan College team before the Armagh team secured a hard-earned 22-12 victory in a game scheduled for Ballymena but switched to Lurgan Rugby Club because of the weather.
Lurgan took an early lead when James Patterson and Peter Jackson combined to put prop Ryan Emerson in for an unconverted try in the corner. Cambridge House recovered and good work from the pack presented Reuben Russell with an unconverted try.
Just before the interval, and somewhat against the run of play, the Lurgan team took advantage of a Cambridge House mistake, Rory Burns and Victor Makensie in tandem sending Emerson in for his second try of the game. Robbie Norton added the extras to put the Lurgan College into a 12-5 lead at half-time.
Playing with the wind in the second half Cambridge House started well, Harry Spiers displaying great ball-carrying skills when he broke through the Lurgan defence, ‘fixed’ the final defender, and sent Travis Boyd in for a converted try which drew the scores level at 12-12.
The intensity of the Cambridge House performance was raised now, and but for three try-saving tackles from Lurgan full-back Norton there might have been a different outcome to the game.
But the storm as weathered and Lurgan College secured a 22-12 victory with two unconverted tries in the last quarter of the game, the first from Year 12 No 8 Reuben McCreery, and then from their experienced scrum-half Scott Wilson.
BANGOR GS 22 – 19 DALRIADA
Bangor Grammar School earned a thrilling 22-19 victory over Dalriada in a match played on a wet, but firm, pitch with both teams trying to play positively with the ball in hand.
Bangor enjoyed early territorial advantage and Zack Kerr opened the account with a 40-metre penalty for a 3-0 lead. The Bangor forwards continued their period of dominance, carrying the ball effectively in the blustery conditions. Well-presented ball was used to good effect and Zack Kerr showed his talents when he side-stepped his opposite number in his own half and then finished the move off with a try which he converted for a 10-0 lead.
This seemed to spur the Dalriada team into action and a Bangor mistake just before the break was seized upon and Denis Posternak went in for an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to five points at the interval.
The second half saw the Bangor playing into the wind, and from a Dalriada error the North Down side gained good field position and excellent play from the home pack led to an unconverted try from Evan Willard-McMillan.
Dalriada reduced the arrears to 15-12 when Matthew McConaghie scored a try which Stewart Moore converted, but Ulster Schools’ flanker Matthew Agnew then increased the Bangor lead when his determination saw him touch down for a try converted by Kerr.
Dalriada replied with a try from Matthew Lockhart, converted by Stewart Moore, to leave Bangor Grammar 22-19 winners.
REGENT HOUSE 67 – 12 BELFAST HS
Regent House were the top points scorers of the weekend with following the 67-12 win over Belfast High School.
The Newtownards team scored nine tries, eight of which were converted, and added two successful penalties
BALLYMENA ACADEMY 36 – 5 CLONGOWES WOOD
Ballymena Academy made the journey to Clane in Co Kildare on Wednesday to take on the might of Clongowes Wood College and returned with a fine 36-5 win.
Both teams used the game as an opportunity to play all members of their extended senior squads, and at the end of an evenly contested first half the score was 5-5, Oisin Jordan scoring an unconverted try for the Academy.
The Ballymena team, with Alexander Clarke, Marcus Rea and Jonny McKeown to the fore, pulled away in the second half and went on to record an impressive victory. Azur Allison touched down twice, with Marcus Rea, Angus Kernohan and Bruce Houston scoring one try each. Michael Stronge was successful with three conversions.
LIMAVADY GS 0 – 57 PORTORA RS
Limavady Grammar hosted Portora Royal on Wednesday last in a game the Enniskillen team won 57-0.
The Portora side scored nine tries in all, Robert Baloucoune with a brace and Ryan Egerton, Connor Keyes, Adam Bowles, Matthew Dane, Angus Keyes, Reece Barrett and Morgan Bruce all touched down. Reece Smyton was successful with six conversion kicks.
AROUND THE CUPS
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution travelled to Campbell College and returned home having recorded an 11-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Plate Banbridge Academy with a 17-5 win at Foyle and Londonderry College, and returned home having recorded a 17-5 victory, while in the Preliminary Round of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College, Belfast Fourths recorded a 36-7 win against Rainey Endowed School Thirds.
In the first round proper of the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Royal Belfast Academical Institution Fifths defeated Coleraine Grammar School Thirds by 28-0, while in the same competition Campbell College Thirds beat Belfast Royal Academy 3rd XV at Roughfort 36-7.
Despite the difficult weather conditions prevalent on Saturday 5th quite a few school games still took place.
Unfortunately the Ballymena Academy game with Down High School was cancelled due to a tragedy in the family of one of the Ballymena Academy players, and the thoughts of everyone associated with Ulster Schools’ Rugby are with his family at this trying, sad time.
In the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Wallace High School travelled to play Sullivan Upper School, returning from Holywood after a hard fought encounter with a 12-3 win.
In the Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup Methodist College Thirds beat defeated Campbell College Fourths 12-3.
SULLIVAN UPPER 5 - 33 WALLACE HS
Wallace High School had a convincing win at Sullivan Upper by 33-5 in Holywood.
Wallace, with Ulster and Ireland Schools’ scrum- half Jonny Stewart excelling, built up a 26-0 lead by the interval, scoring four tries through Nick Woods, twice, Jamie Maunderson and Jack Brown. Matthew Pentland was successful with three first half conversions.
The early stages of the second half saw the visitors’ lead extended to 33-0 when Ryan Malley touched down for a try which Pentland converted. Now playing with the elements the Sullivan side displayed great determination and took the game to Wallace.
But the Wallace defence was well-organised and gave nothing away until the final play of the game when Sullivan got some reward when Luke Coulter scrambled over for an unconverted try to complete the 33-5 scoreline.
COLERAINE GS 12-5 BRA
Coleraine Grammar School continued its recent run of good form with a 12-5 victory over Belfast Royal Academy.
The Coleraine side built up a 12-5 lead by the break with tries from Matthew Norris and Niall Cameron, Callum Smith converting one of the tries.
The Belfast Royal Academy points came through an unconverted try from Matthew Dalton.
Both teams worked hard in the second half to overcome the inclement weather conditions but there were no further scores.
The Coleraine GS pack, with captain David Greatorex to the fore, laid the foundations for this win, with the skipper ably assisted by his second row pairing of Max Bailie and Peter Wisener. And full-back Marc Welsh impressed in both attack and defence throughout.
WELLINGTON COLLEGE 12 – 7 CARRICKFERGUS GS
Wellington College won a very closely contested game with Carrickfergus Grammar by 12-7.
The Wellington College points came from Glen Higgins try, converted by Jamie Hewitt who was also successful with a penalty kick.
The Carrick points came from a Fionn McCormack converted try.
RS ARMAGH 0 – 47 RAINEY ENDOWED
Royal School, Armagh hosted an in-form Rainey Endowed team which showed it’s hitting a run of good form at just the right time with a 42-point win.
Rainey took an early 7-0 lead when Anton Lupari drove over from a lineout to touch down for a try improved by Lorcan Quinn. Moments later a similar scenario saw Cameron Stewart and Lupari combine to present Anton with his second try for a 12-0 lead.
In the ascendant now Rainey made it pay and a break from full-back Matthew Mulholland provided winger Michael Lynn with the try scoring opportunity which Quinn converted for a 19-0 lead. And with the interval beckoning Quinn took advantage of a strong Rainey scrum to nip in for an unconverted try and a 24-0 half-time advantage.
Playing into the wind in the second half the Magherafelt school moved further ahead with a Quinn penalty, then Lupari completed his hat-trick when he barged over for an unconverted try. Adam Currie ran in for an unconverted try to increase the Rainey Endowed lead to 37-0, and in the closing moments an interchange of passes involving forwards and backs finished with Stewart putting Neal Hastings in for a try in the corner to complete an impressive at Armagh.
BANBRIDGE ACADEMY 12 – 22 RS DUNGANNON
Although eventually beaten 22-12 at home by Royal School, Dungannon, it was Banbridge Academy which started brightly and built up a 12-5 lead by the break.
Dungannon took an early 5-0 lead when Josh Patton crossed the Academy whitewash to for an unconverted try. The home responded positively and dominated territory and possession for most of the remainder of the first half. In the 12th minute the scores were levelled when Academy winger Jack Dolagan ran in for an unconverted try.
And just before the break the home team went 12-5 ahead, Jonny Campbell finishing off some quality handling from his fellow forwards with a try which Tom Flanagan converted.
Dungannon team started the second half strongly, the pack gaining the “hard yards” and the backs impressing with the ball in hand, then a solid scrum paved the way for a Nicholas Graham try in the corner. From the restart good game management skills from Adam Evans took play back into the Banbridge ‘22’ and from another attacking scrum Patton picked the ball up and a clever off-load to Peter Doran saw him finish with a try under the posts which Evans converted for a 17-12 lead.
Aaron McCammon then scored an unconverted try to increase that lead, and though Academy rallied centre Ross Cartmill, making a successful return from injury, and industrious No 8, Peter Heaney could find no way through the Dungannon defence and the visitors ended as 22-12 winners.
GROSVENOR GS 10 – 14 WESLEY COLLEGE
Grosvenor Grammar School hosted Wesley College, Dublin in a hard-fought encounter which the visitors won 14-10 with the last play of the game.
Playing into a strong wind Grosvenor dominated proceedings in the first half with good control of the lineouts and well-organised driven mauls. A Wesley offence at one such maul allowed Adam Skelton to convert the penalty to put his side into a 3-0 lead.
Back row domination at the breakdown provided Andrew Boyd with the opportunity to score a try, Skelton adding the extras to put Grosvenor into a 10-0 lead at the break.
In the course of the second half the Grosvenor was unable to dominate as before, and the Wesley team scored a converted try midway through the second period to reduce the arrears.
And with the final move of the game Wesley secured a 14-10 victory with a converted try under the Grosvenor posts.
FRIENDS’ 31 – 5 ANTRIM GS
Friends’ School, Lisburn, overcame Antrim Grammar School at the weekend by an emphatic scoreline of 31-5.
Friends’ School team built up a 17-0 lead by the interval with tries from Adam Scoffield, Ross Stewart and Ross Gillespie and David Stewart was successful with one conversion.
Captain James Maxwell scored a try shortly after the restart, David Stewart’s conversion stretching his team’s to 24-0. Curtis Dundas then capped a fine personal performance when he outwitted the Antrim defence to run in for a try, David Stewart converting to improve the lead to 31-0.
Antrim never lacked endeavour throughout and got some reward when a well-organised drive saw the pack drive over for an unconverted try to complete the 31-5 scoreline.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 12 – 22 LURGAN COLLEGE
Cambridge House caused a few problems for the Lurgan College team before the Armagh team secured a hard-earned 22-12 victory in a game scheduled for Ballymena but switched to Lurgan Rugby Club because of the weather.
Lurgan took an early lead when James Patterson and Peter Jackson combined to put prop Ryan Emerson in for an unconverted try in the corner. Cambridge House recovered and good work from the pack presented Reuben Russell with an unconverted try.
Just before the interval, and somewhat against the run of play, the Lurgan team took advantage of a Cambridge House mistake, Rory Burns and Victor Makensie in tandem sending Emerson in for his second try of the game. Robbie Norton added the extras to put the Lurgan College into a 12-5 lead at half-time.
Playing with the wind in the second half Cambridge House started well, Harry Spiers displaying great ball-carrying skills when he broke through the Lurgan defence, ‘fixed’ the final defender, and sent Travis Boyd in for a converted try which drew the scores level at 12-12.
The intensity of the Cambridge House performance was raised now, and but for three try-saving tackles from Lurgan full-back Norton there might have been a different outcome to the game.
But the storm as weathered and Lurgan College secured a 22-12 victory with two unconverted tries in the last quarter of the game, the first from Year 12 No 8 Reuben McCreery, and then from their experienced scrum-half Scott Wilson.
BANGOR GS 22 – 19 DALRIADA
Bangor Grammar School earned a thrilling 22-19 victory over Dalriada in a match played on a wet, but firm, pitch with both teams trying to play positively with the ball in hand.
Bangor enjoyed early territorial advantage and Zack Kerr opened the account with a 40-metre penalty for a 3-0 lead. The Bangor forwards continued their period of dominance, carrying the ball effectively in the blustery conditions. Well-presented ball was used to good effect and Zack Kerr showed his talents when he side-stepped his opposite number in his own half and then finished the move off with a try which he converted for a 10-0 lead.
This seemed to spur the Dalriada team into action and a Bangor mistake just before the break was seized upon and Denis Posternak went in for an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to five points at the interval.
The second half saw the Bangor playing into the wind, and from a Dalriada error the North Down side gained good field position and excellent play from the home pack led to an unconverted try from Evan Willard-McMillan.
Dalriada reduced the arrears to 15-12 when Matthew McConaghie scored a try which Stewart Moore converted, but Ulster Schools’ flanker Matthew Agnew then increased the Bangor lead when his determination saw him touch down for a try converted by Kerr.
Dalriada replied with a try from Matthew Lockhart, converted by Stewart Moore, to leave Bangor Grammar 22-19 winners.
REGENT HOUSE 67 – 12 BELFAST HS
Regent House were the top points scorers of the weekend with following the 67-12 win over Belfast High School.
The Newtownards team scored nine tries, eight of which were converted, and added two successful penalty kicks. Skipper Arthur Donnan, capped a fine personal performance with a hat-trick of tries, Robert Hull scored two, with Josh Crossan, Jack Smith, Brandon Frazer and Ulster Schools’ prop Kyle Van Gleisen all touching down. Robbie Johnston kicked 22 points in a fine performance with the boot.
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ player Tyler Arnold impressed with his performance for the High School team even in heavy defeat and was responsible for the points his team scored.
METHODIST COLLEGE 0 – 19 CAMPBELL COLLEGE
The big game of the day was at Pirrie Park where Methodist College went down 19-0 to great Belfast rivals Campbell College.
Campbell dominated the forward exchanges and scored three tries in the course of the game, Tom O’Toole scored twice and Marcus Collim also touching down.
Jonny Haldane was successful with two conversion kicks to secure the 19-0 victory for the Campbell College team.
The scheduled game between Omagh Academy and Foyle and Londonderry College fell victim to Saturday’s inclement weather.
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