SCHOOLS RUGBY ULSTER SENIOR CUP FINAL: Ballyclare HS 6 Methodist 22METHODY WON their 33rd Ulster Schools Cup and deservedly so although the scoreline may have been flattering at Ravenhill yesterday. Methody had two fortuitous tries in the first half and had to defend stoutly for most of the second period.
Methody started strongly and Ballyclare were given a couple of penalties to clear the danger. After 15 minutes an indiscretion resulted in the referee reversing a penalty so Methody kicked into the corner and from the lineout their captain Rory Winters drove over.
Four minutes later a lucky bounce around halfway allowed Michael Lagan to break through for James Harrison to finish off under the posts. Rudolph Benade converted.
Just before the interval Methody had an excellent score when fullback Paddy Colhoun gathered on the 10-metre line and ran through at least five players to be brought down three metres short. Possession was won and Connor McKee crossed to make it 17-0 at the interval.
Ballyclare, using the strengthening wind, dominated for the next 20 minutes before fullback Jonny Holmes kicked two penalties. They were within a few metres of their opponents’ line a number of times but just could not manage a touchdown. After 50 minutes Methody secondrow Mark Campbell was yellow carded for an illegal tackle.
Ballyclare continued to throw everything at their opponents but Methody won crucial turnovers to temporarily relieve the pressure. In the 68th minute, with Methody firmly encamped close to the Ballyclare line, flanker Chris Gracey crashed over to seal the issue.
BALLYCLARE HIGH:J Holmes, P Ferguson, E McKee, J Douglas, A Butler, J Irvine, C Millar, J Darling, G Bartley (capt), J McKinstry, S Barr, M Dailly, P Reid, M Logan, J Craig. Replacements: D Allen for Barr and D Kelly for J McKinstry (45 mins), J Beattie for J Douglas and M Brolly for J Craig (63 min), D Lawther for P Reid (65 mins).
METHODIST COLLEGE: P Colhoun, E Mooney, M Gribben, C McKee, R Benade, R Edgar, D McElhinney, J Gallagher, R Winters (capt), C Gracey, M Campbell, D Bingham, J Harrison, O McGoldrick, M Lagan.
Replacements: D Rea for J Gallagher (55 mins), R McKee for C McKee (59 mins).
Referee: R Kerr.
