The result brings to an end Methody’s run of three consecutive Schools’ Cup titles and means Wallace will play Royal Belfast Academical Institution in the final on St. Patrick’s Day. It will be a re-run of the 2003 and 2007 showpieces, which were both won by RBAI.
Wallace were the better side in the opening stages and had an opportunity to impact the scoreboard when a Methody player was penalised for hands in a ruck, but outside Andrew Cardosi was unable to take advantage from the tee.
However the Lisburn school did take the lead in the 10th minute after a superbly executed set piece move. A solid scrum provided the platform and some excellent decoy running allowed Neil Kilpatrick to burst through a gap in midfield. The outhalf then fed dangerous fullback Philip Hylands who raced clear and beat opposite number Robert Lyttle to dot down under the posts. Cardosi had the simple task of adding the extras for a 0-7 lead.
Methody responded with a try from their captain Saul Herdman, who powered over from close range following a driving maul by his fellow forwards. Lyttle was off target with the difficult conversion attempt but his side took the lead soon after. A string of phases gave scrumhalf Johnny Jordan space to throw a floated pass to Conor Kelly and the winger finished well in the corner under pressure from Conor Guiney. Lyttle missed again, this time from the left touchline, leaving the score at 10-7.
Wallace looked the more threatening team for the remainder of the first half but blew a number of chances to convert pressure into further points. First, prop Jonathan Blair handed possession back to Methody with a knock on five metres out, then Cardosi spilled the ball after Jonny Stewart had made good ground with a darting run from the base of a ruck.
The opening exchanges of the second half were fairly even, with most of the action being played out in the middle third of the pitch. Lyttle made a searing break from his own half but Hylands came across to make a fine covering tackle to deny an almost certain try.
The decisive moment of the match came on the hour mark when slick hands by the Wallace backline put Ben Finlay in space and he held off the challenge of Lyttle to dive over in the left corner, pushing his side 10-12 ahead.
Lyttle had a late chance to win the game with a penalty from 40 metres out but his effort fell just short and Stewart kicked the ball out. That was the last action as he final whistle sounded, leading to wild celebrations among the Wallace players and supporters. They can now look forward to a first final appearance since 2007 and an opportunity to become the first Schools' Cup wining side from Wallace HS.
TICKETS FOR THE FINAL ARE NOW ON SALE AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE.
Areas are available on general sale: Grandstand including block 5 (neutral), East Terrace, West Terrace, Premium Stand
Reserved for RBAI supporters: Grandstand Blocks 6-9, West Terrace
Reserved for Wallace HS supporters: Grandstand Blocks 1-4, East Terrace