Campbell College 42 Ballyclare HS 8:IT WAS easier than expected for Campbell College in the Northern Bank Ulster Schools Cup semi-final at Ravenhill yesterday afternoon.

Once they had built up a 22-8 interval lead and then had the wind in their favour after the restart it was only a matter of how many tries they would score. As it was they crossed their opponents’ line on seven occasions and now qualify for the final against RBAI at Ravenhill on St Patrick’s Day.

Campbell had the much superior three-quarters and in consequence there was an abundance of flowing rugby. Number eight Charlie Gallagher put them ahead with a try converted by Irish Schools’ fullback Rory Scholes. Ballyclare deservedly retorted with a Johnny Holmes try but the Belmont Road side struck back with scores from their captain John Creighton and winger Moss Rodgers.

Scholes converted one and added a penalty. With the last kick of the period Holmes had a penalty for Ballyclare.

The second half belonged to Campbell who were seldom out of their opponents’ half. A strike “against the head” allowed Gallagher to pick up and go in for his second. Scrumhalf Glenn Baillie nipped over and then towards the close Scholes and substitute secondrow forward Shane Moffett also touched down.

SCORERS: CAMPBELL COLLEGE 42 (C Gallagher two tries, J Creighton, M Rodgers, G Baillie and S Moffett try each, R Scholes try, penalty, two conversions).

BALLYCLARE HS 8 (J Holmes try, penalty)