There were several Danske Bank Ulster Schools' 2nd XV Cup fixtures, and a number of friendly fixtures, played last week leading to a list of scheduled friendly fixtures on Saturday.
In the Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Ballyclare High School defeated Friends’ School, Lisburn, by 22-10, Regent House beat Strabane Academy 19-13, and Bangor Grammar School won 24-20 against Grosvenor Grammar School.
In a friendly fixture a Wellington College Select XV lost 21-5 to a Ballymena Academy Select XV drawn from the Seconds and Thirds.
WEATHER PLAYS HAVOC
The midweek game between Portadown College and Belfast Metropolitan College was a casualty of the weather which has severely impacted on the pitches at Killicomaine Road.
The Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup game between Wallace High School and Methodist College was postponed because of heavy snow in Lisburn, and it’s hoped this will be played before the end of term.
Other casualties of the weather were the friendly fixtures involving Portadown College and Omagh Academy, Belfast Royal Academy and Banbridge Academy, Down High School and Sullivan Upper, Grosvenor Grammar School and Royal School, Armagh, Royal School, Dungannon and Regent House and Foyle and Londonderry College and Belfast Metropolitan College.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution sent a composite squad of 2nd and 3rd XV players to play a Friends’ School squad drawn from the First and Second XVs in a game that survived for just 35 minutes.
Friends’ scored tries through Alex O’Brien, Curtis Dundas, Chris Nesbitt and Luke Beattie, while the ‘Inst’ team scored one converted try before the weather conditions forced an abandonment.
With Methodist College due to tour to Portugal its scheduled game against Ballyclare High School was cancelled.
BANGOR GS 10 – 10 WALLACE HS
At First Fifteen level Bangor Grammar was grateful to Wallace High School which agreed to bring forward to Wednesday a game originally scheduled for Saturday, and the spoils were duly shared.
Bangor took an early lead with a penalty from Zack Kerr, but Wallace struck back and went ahead 7-3 lead midway through the first half when Ryan Malley scored a try, which Matthew Pentland converted, midway through first half.
A Connor McKee try just before the break, improved by Kerr, meant Bangor regained the initiative to lead 10-7.
On the resumption both sides went for the win but defences were mainly on top, and it took a Jonny Stewart penalty in front of the posts late in the game to ensure the Wallace returned to Lisburn unbowed.
WELLINGTON COLLEGE 10 – 49 LURGAN COLLEGE
However, Wellington College against Lurgan College went ahead, with the visitors wining impressively by 49-10.
Playing on the superb turf at Wellington College it was Lurgan which settled quickly and scored an early try through second-row Jonathan Carson, after a series of forward drives took the play deep into home territory. Full-back Robbie Norton converted for a 7-0 lead.
Norton, who also plays soccer with Glenavon, had an outstanding day with the boot, and he increased the advantage with a penalty.
But all credit to Wellington College team which bounced back quickly, a Jamie Hewitt penalty reducing the deficit. But then Lurgan No 8 Reuben McCreery scored from close range, Norton converting from the touchline, to ease Lurgan 17-3 in front.
Further tries from Jonathan Carson and Ulster Schools’ prop Harry Simpson gave Lurgan a comfortable 28-3 half-time lead.
On the restart scrum-half Scott Wilson nipped in from a ruck to touch down, Norton adding the extras, then Simpson ran in for his second try of the day, again converted by Norton to extend the lead to 42-3.
Lurgan College staff then introduced a number of younger players from the bench to give them an opportunity at this level, but it was Wellington which scored next through a Jason Lyons try, Jamie Hewitt adding the conversion.
But it was that man Simpson who completed the try-scoring, and an unusual hat-trick from a prop, fully meriting a Man of the Match tag, while Norton capped a fine personal performance with a conversion for a 49-10 win for Lurgan.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 15 – 3 LARNE GS
Cambridge House carved out a hard-earned 15-3 home win over Larne Grammar School.
The Ballymena side built up a 10-3 by half time with a try, conversion and penalty from Sam Millar. In reply Larne kicked a penalty from Barry McKay.
The second half was closely contested, with both teams attempting to play constructively despite the elements. Cambridge House team secured its win with a Kane McBride try.
ANTRIM GS 14 – 17 BELFAST HS
Antrim Grammar and Belfast High School played out a closely contested game from which the city team emerged as 17-14 winners.
It was a tribute to the ground staff that the game went ahead, and to the players, coaches, referee and both sets of supporters that everyone survived the impact of the inclement.
Simon White, Tyler Arnold and Matthew Dennison all scored tries for the High School, White adding one conversion.
Antrim had JJ McKee to thank for its only try, but three successful penalty kick made sure the result was always in doubt.
RBAI 5 – 21 ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE
Royal Belfast Academical Institution played host to St Michael’s College in a game the Dublin team won 21-5.
Despite the miserable conditions the visitors started strongly were 14-0 up after just seven minutes. Belfast ‘Inst’ team recovered strongly though, but in the first half but could find no way through the St Michael’s College defence.
The second half was more evenly contested, both teams scoring one try, the visitors converting theirs. The ‘Inst’ touchdown was courtesy of Neil Saulters who took advantage of pressure from his pack on a St Michael’s College defensive lineout.
The ball emerged on the ‘Inst’ side and Neil was able to dot down for an unconverted try.
There was no further addition to the scoreboard which ensured St Michael’s College secured a fine 21-5 victory.
LIMAVADY GS 5 – 36 DALRIADA
The strength and power of the Dalriada pack was the key to the side’s 36-5 win over a game Limavady Grammar School.
Limavady tried hard to play the difficult conditions but any mistakes were seized upon by the Dalriada forwards, with the back-row trio being particularly effective. The Ballymoney boys built up a 12-5 lead by the interval with tries from Aaron Christie and Jack Horsborough, Stewart Moore successful with one conversion. In response Limavady GS kept in touch through an unconverted try from Gareth Kee by the break
The Dalriada forwards secured quality possession for their back division in the second half, and it used the ball effectively, Angus Johnston and Moore directing operations. Johnston scored one try with Stewart running in for a hat-trick of touchdowns.
On a memorable day for him Stewart added two conversions to seal a 36-5 Dalriada win.
CAMPBELL COLLEGE 21 – 15 BALLYMENA ACADEMY
The pick of the fixtures was at Fox’s Field, Campbell College making home advantage pay with a 21-15 win over Ballymena Academy in a fiercely-contested game involving two in-form sides.
Overhead conditions were horrendous and both teams deserve immense credit for their performances in the non-stop rain. Academy started confidently with several forays deep into Campbell territory. The home side was punished for some early first half indiscipline, so Bruce Houston was successful with two early penalties to put the Academy 6-0 in front.
The next fifteen minutes belonged to the home team with Campbell opening its account with a Matt Russell try from a driven maul and, moments later, from a line break in midfield Jack Howard ran in for a second. Malcolm Corry converted both to give Campbell College a 14-6 interval lead.
Ballymena Academy settled quickly into the early stages of the second half and another Houston penalty reduced the deficit to 14-9.
Further strong running from Marcus Rea and Alexander Clarke took Ballymena deep into the Campbell half again and Houston capitalised on an offside decision to bring kick the visitors within two points.
Both sides made several changes as the game prepared for a grandstand finish. A break by Alan Small took Ballymena into the Campbell half and a ruck infringement gave young out-half Houston the chance to edge his side 15-24 ahead.
The home team rallied and had the final, winning say of the morning when their abrasive back row forward Russell powered over for his second try of the game.
And the successful conversion from the trusty boot of Corry left the final score 21-15 to Campbell after a thrilling contest.
In the Ulster Schools’ 2nd XV Cup Ballyclare High School defeated Friends’ School, Lisburn, by 22-10, Regent House beat Strabane Academy 19-13, and Bangor Grammar School won 24-20 against Grosvenor Grammar School.
In a friendly fixture a Wellington College Select XV lost 21-5 to a Ballymena Academy Select XV drawn from the Seconds and Thirds.
WEATHER PLAYS HAVOC
The midweek game between Portadown College and Belfast Metropolitan College was a casualty of the weather which has severely impacted on the pitches at Killicomaine Road.
The Ulster Schools’ 3rd XV Cup game between Wallace High School and Methodist College was postponed because of heavy snow in Lisburn, and it’s hoped this will be played before the end of term.
Other casualties of the weather were the friendly fixtures involving Portadown College and Omagh Academy, Belfast Royal Academy and Banbridge Academy, Down High School and Sullivan Upper, Grosvenor Grammar School and Royal School, Armagh, Royal School, Dungannon and Regent House and Foyle and Londonderry College and Belfast Metropolitan College.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution sent a composite squad of 2nd and 3rd XV players to play a Friends’ School squad drawn from the First and Second XVs in a game that survived for just 35 minutes.
Friends’ scored tries through Alex O’Brien, Curtis Dundas, Chris Nesbitt and Luke Beattie, while the ‘Inst’ team scored one converted try before the weather conditions forced an abandonment.
With Methodist College due to tour to Portugal its scheduled game against Ballyclare High School was cancelled.
BANGOR GS 10 – 10 WALLACE HS
At First Fifteen level Bangor Grammar was grateful to Wallace High School which agreed to bring forward to Wednesday a game originally scheduled for Saturday, and the spoils were duly shared.
Bangor took an early lead with a penalty from Zack Kerr, but Wallace struck back and went ahead 7-3 lead midway through the first half when Ryan Malley scored a try, which Matthew Pentland converted, midway through first half.
A Connor McKee try just before the break, improved by Kerr, meant Bangor regained the initiative to lead 10-7.
On the resumption both sides went for the win but defences were mainly on top, and it took a Jonny Stewart penalty in front of the posts late in the game to ensure the Wallace returned to Lisburn unbowed.
WELLINGTON COLLEGE 10 – 49 LURGAN COLLEGE
However, Wellington College against Lurgan College went ahead, with the visitors wining impressively by 49-10.
Playing on the superb turf at Wellington College it was Lurgan which settled quickly and scored an early try through second-row Jonathan Carson, after a series of forward drives took the play deep into home territory. Full-back Robbie Norton converted for a 7-0 lead.
Norton, who also plays soccer with Glenavon, had an outstanding day with the boot, and he increased the advantage with a penalty.
But all credit to Wellington College team which bounced back quickly, a Jamie Hewitt penalty reducing the deficit. But then Lurgan No 8 Reuben McCreery scored from close range, Norton converting from the touchline, to ease Lurgan 17-3 in front.
Further tries from Jonathan Carson and Ulster Schools’ prop Harry Simpson gave Lurgan a comfortable 28-3 half-time lead.
On the restart scrum-half Scott Wilson nipped in from a ruck to touch down, Norton adding the extras, then Simpson ran in for his second try of the day, again converted by Norton to extend the lead to 42-3.
Lurgan College staff then introduced a number of younger players from the bench to give them an opportunity at this level, but it was Wellington which scored next through a Jason Lyons try, Jamie Hewitt adding the conversion.
But it was that man Simpson who completed the try-scoring, and an unusual hat-trick from a prop, fully meriting a Man of the Match tag, while Norton capped a fine personal performance with a conversion for a 49-10 win for Lurgan.
CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 15 – 3 LARNE GS
Cambridge House carved out a hard-earned 15-3 home win over Larne Grammar School.
The Ballymena side built up a 10-3 by half time with a try, conversion and penalty from Sam Millar. In reply Larne kicked a penalty from Barry McKay.
The second half was closely contested, with both teams attempting to play constructively despite the elements. Cambridge House team secured its win with a Kane McBride try.
ANTRIM GS 14 – 17 BELFAST HS
Antrim Grammar and Belfast High School played out a closely contested game from which the city team emerged as 17-14 winners.
It was a tribute to the ground staff that the game went ahead, and to the players, coaches, referee and both sets of supporters that everyone survived the impact of the inclement.
Simon White, Tyler Arnold and Matthew Dennison all scored tries for the High School, White adding one conversion.
Antrim had JJ McKee to thank for its only try, but three successful penalty kick made sure the result was always in doubt.
RBAI 5 – 21 ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE
Royal Belfast Academical Institution played host to St Michael’s College in a game the Dublin team won 21-5.
Despite the miserable conditions the visitors started strongly were 14-0 up after just seven minutes. Belfast ‘Inst’ team recovered strongly though, but in the first half but could find no way through the St Michael’s College defence.
The second half was more evenly contested, both teams scoring one try, the visitors converting theirs. The ‘Inst’ touchdown was courtesy of Neil Saulters who took advantage of pressure from his pack on a St Michael’s College defensive lineout.
The ball emerged on the ‘Inst’ side and Neil was able to dot down for an unconverted try.
There was no further addition to the scoreboard which ensured St Michael’s College secured a fine 21-5 victory.
LIMAVADY GS 5 – 36 DALRIADA
The strength and power of the Dalriada pack was the key to the side’s 36-5 win over a game Limavady Grammar School.
Limavady tried hard to play the difficult conditions but any mistakes were seized upon by the Dalriada forwards, with the back-row trio being particularly effective. The Ballymoney boys built up a 12-5 lead by the interval with tries from Aaron Christie and Jack Horsborough, Stewart Moore successful with one conversion. In response Limavady GS kept in touch through an unconverted try from Gareth Kee by the break
The Dalriada forwards secured quality possession for their back division in the second half, and it used the ball effectively, Angus Johnston and Moore directing operations. Johnston scored one try with Stewart running in for a hat-trick of touchdowns.
On a memorable day for him Stewart added two conversions to seal a 36-5 Dalriada win.
CAMPBELL COLLEGE 21 – 15 BALLYMENA ACADEMY
The pick of the fixtures was at Fox’s Field, Campbell College making home advantage pay with a 21-15 win over Ballymena Academy in a fiercely-contested game involving two in-form sides.
Overhead conditions were horrendous and both teams deserve immense credit for their performances in the non-stop rain. Academy started confidently with several forays deep into Campbell territory. The home side was punished for some early first half indiscipline, so Bruce Houston was successful with two early penalties to put the Academy 6-0 in front.
The next fifteen minutes belonged to the home team with Campbell opening its account with a Matt Russell try from a driven maul and, moments later, from a line break in midfield Jack Howard ran in for a second. Malcolm Corry converted both to give Campbell College a 14-6 interval lead.
Ballymena Academy settled quickly into the early stages of the second half and another Houston penalty reduced the deficit to 14-9.
Further strong running from Marcus Rea and Alexander Clarke took Ballymena deep into the Campbell half again and Houston capitalised on an offside decision to bring kick the visitors within two points.
Both sides made several changes as the game prepared for a grandstand finish. A break by Alan Small took Ballymena into the Campbell half and a ruck infringement gave young out-half Houston the chance to edge his side 15-24 ahead.
The home team rallied and had the final, winning say of the morning when their abrasive back row forward Russell powered over for his second try of the game.
And the successful conversion from the trusty boot of Corry left the final score 21-15 to Campbell after a thrilling contest.