Schools Cup: Ballymena Academy 10 Royal School Armagh 14

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by

John McMurtry

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Royal School Armagh progressed to the semi final of the Ulster Schools Cup with a hard fought 10 – 14 win at Ballymena Academy on a wet Saturday morning.

The match started in near perfect conditions but it wasn’t long before a few spots of rain became a persistent nuisance, blowing straight down our lens!

Armagh started with the wind behind them and they took an early advantage when the impressive crossed for the opening try which he converted himself to give the visitors a 0 – 7 lead.

Ballymena got their names on the scoreboard shortly after with knocking over a penalty to take the score to 3 – 7 after ten minutes.

The teams were locked in a battle in the middle of the park for the remainder of the first quarter and it was the home side who broke this period of deadlock with crossing for McKay to convert to give Ballymena a 10 – 7 lead after 25 minutes. It was a lead that the home side took to the break.

Defences dominated in the second half but it was Armagh who made the breakthrough with their second converted try midway through the third quarter, Jonny Agnew crossing and Worth converting, to give a 10 – 14 lead.

Ballymena dominated possession for the rest of the game but the well drilled Armagh side held firm, finding a lot of success at the lines out. The hard working  team put their bodies on the line time after time in an impressive defensive display reminiscent of their coach, , at his finest.

Final score: Ballymena Academy 10 Royal School Armagh 14

Armagh now face Campbell College, in the first semi final at Ravenhill on Tuesday 5th March.

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