ULSTER SCHOOLS CUP FINAL: Ballymena Academy v Belfast Royal Academy: IT'S A MOST interesting decider at Ravenhill this afternoon as none of the "big three" – Methodist College, Belfast Inst, or Campbell College – will be in action.
The last time that occurred was 1994 so it’s a big opportunity for Belfast Royal and Ballymena Academy to fight it out.
BRA, who have only won the trophy once and shared it three times, had a bye to the fourth round where they met RBAI. They drew 3-3 but deservedly won the replay at Osborne Park 18-16. They then defeated Dalriada 8-0 before needing a late try to eliminate Wallace High 16-12 in the semi-final.
They are a well-balanced team with few “stars” but an all-round ability. Their speedy three-quarters should revel in the width of Ravenhill. Number eight Ian Henderson is an excellent ball-carrier and half-backs Conor Spence and Stuart Olding have created scoring opportunities.
Ballymena Academy, who have won the cup twice, also needed a replay en route although they had a comfortable fourth-round win at Limavady Grammar 22-3. They were expected to easily overcome Friends’ but after a 11-11 draw they needed a last-minute try to win the replay 11-10 at Lisburn. In the semi-final their confidence was boosted when they clinched an 11-10 victory with a last-gasp try against holders Methodist College.
Ballymena have a formidable backrow of Timothy Patton, George Dennison and Peter Wallace and Irish Schools fullback Charlie Simpson poses a big threat. They also have a superb outhalf in Callum Patterson.
But if BRA can win enough ball and avoid the Ballymena backrow they could well clinch the title.
BALLYMENA ACADEMY: C Simpson, J McClelland, C Delpy, P Storey, C Morrison, C Patterson, P Banda, P Wallace, G Dennison, T Patton, D Whann, M Rea, K Galloway, J Andrew, S McNabney.
BRA: J Buchanan, E Devlin, D Cartmill, M Glover, M Robinson, S Olding, C Spence, I Henderson, R Clarke, T Vincent, C Leckey, N ONeill, D McCallum, N Sinclair, A Martin.
RefereeD Wilkinson.
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