Dromore High School picked up the first schools senior trophy of the season following a 14 – 10 win against Limavady Grammar in the Schools Trophy Final at Ballymena Academy yesterday afternoon.
Both sides appeared nervous in the initial stages but it was Limavady who settled the quicker with a converted try in the first ten minutes. John McMichael crossing for James Howe to convert.
The bulk of the first half was played between the ten meter lines but Dromore eventually made their breakthrough when centre Josh Patterson broke clear to race to the posts. Captain Rhys Dale added the conversion to tie the game.
However, after enjoying the best of the first half, Limavady hit back straight away with Howe landing an impressive penalty to take a 7 – 10 lead into the break.
The second half was similar fare, though with the breeze now behind them Dromore had the edge and a period of sustained pressure in the Limavady red zone ended with a try for Sam Fairley. Dale knocked over the conversion from out wide to give Dromore a 14 – 10 lead.
Limavady upped the pressure for the remaining 15 minutes but the Dromore concentration had improved considerably and where they were once dropping passes and losing lineouts they were now making turnovers both in the loose and the set piece.
The Grammar had their chances but Dromore managed to clear their lines just in time, with the High School holding on for a memorable win.
Final score: Dromore High 14 Limavady Grammar 10
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