Ballyclare High School claimed the Danske Bank Under 16 Schools Shield following a 10-0 win over Belfast Royal Academy at Deramore Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The driving rain and strong winds meant that free-flowing rugby was off the menu, but that didn’t stop both sides from serving up an entertaining game of rugby. Indeed, both sets of players are to be congratulated on their high-quality skillset in the testing conditions.
Ballyclare played with the aid of the elements in the first half and the boys in navy and red wasted no time in taking control of the game.
Just five minutes had elapsed when Ballyclare scrumhalf Owen Dunseath spotted an opening in the BRA defence and force his way over from close range.
Ballyclare remained camped in the BRA half, and it was no surprise to see them extend their lead.
From a lineout five metres from the BRA line, Ballyclare patiently went through the phases to put the Belfast school on the backfoot. And once vice-captain Zac Wells got a clear sight of the try zone, there was no stopping the number eight from putting his side 10-0 in front.
BRA enjoyed more territory in the second half, but they found the Ballyclare defence in a very unforgiving mood, and the East Antrim school managed to safety negotiate the final quarter to claim their first Danske Bank Under 16 Shield.
Scorers;
Ballyclare High School:
Tries: Dunseath, Wells.
Teams:
Ballyclare High School: 1.N. Alderdice, 2. S Robson, 3. H Montgomery, 4. H Bell, 5. A Weir, 6. M Flynn, 7 D. Treacy, 8. Z. Wells, 9. O. Dunseath, 10. O. Morrow, 11. J McCudden, 12. C McKee, 13. C. Alexander, 14. O. Falls, 15. J Simpson.
Replacements: 16. G Rankin, 17. A Strange, 18. J Calcutt, 19. R Kerr, 20, E Blair, 21. A McGookin, 22. N Morton, 23. E Jenkins.
Belfast Royal Academy: 1. W. Green, 2. H. Cole, 3, A Gillespie, 4. M Craig, 5. N. Keed, 6. O. Coiley, 7. S. Rogan, 8. J. Canavan, 9. C. Bell, 10. J. Calwell, 11. J. Knox, 12. C Doyle, 13. H. Orr, 14. J McMahon, 15. T. McAllister.
Replacements: 16: J. Connolly, 17. AJ. Harbinson-Smyth, 18. P. Rowan, 19, A. Stewart, 20. J. Press, 21. S. de Catro Carvalho.
Referee: Mr Alan O’Neill