Luck may not carry on

Ulster Senior CupWho could forget the drama of last year's Ulster Schools' Cup final at Ravenhill Road when Methody's Ryan Duffy earned himself the tag of the unluckiest person in the ground?

Duffy was desperately unfortunate with a 25-metre injury-time kick which came back off the woodwork leaving Campbell College 12-10 winners.

It was Campbell's 22nd Senior Cup win and one that put them third in the overall league tables of highest number of wins. Only Methodist College, Belfast, with 29 victories and RBAI with 26 titles outstrip last year's champions.

But right in the first round of this year's draw, Campbell are up against stiff opposition. They were pulled out of the hat opposite the fancied Lisburn side, Wallace High School, and ought to be grateful for the home tie at Fox's Field.

Campbell, however, may not be as potent as they were last season, having lost some of their bigger players, which could cause some problems as Wallace have a powerful forward unit led by Ulster schools' captain Chris Henry.

While Wallace have yet to win a Senior Cup, Campbell will have to tread carefully if they wish to hold on to their regal reputation.

Last season's defeated finalists, Methody, take on Coleraine Academical Institution at Pirrie Park and, like Campbell, the Belfast team have not been quite as impressive as many people expected from such a traditional stronghold.

But early-season form has a habit of changing and under coach Davy Wells, few will bet against the most prolific winners of the trophy of figuring in the competition in the later stages.

Overall, the big Belfast three of Methody, Campbell and Inst will always figure, while Stephen Hilditch, chairman of the Ulster Schools Committee, also includes Regent House's game against Belfast Royal Academy as one of the picks of the first round.