Ulster Schools' Cup Final 2016

RBAI WIN THIRD SUCCESSIVE DANSKE BANK MEDALLION SHIELD

Royal Belfast Academical Institution defeated Wallace HS 22-8 at Kingspan Stadium to clinch the Danske Bank Medallion Shield for the third consecutive year last Tuesday.

MEDALLION SHEILD WINNERS

breaks, but were unable to force their way over the whitewash. Eventually the pressure was rewarded in the form of a penalty, which Rankin slotted over with ease to put his side ahead. The lead was short-lived, however, as McIlveen notched a penalty of his own to bring the score to 10-8 in RBAI’s favour. That score seemed to galvanise the Belfast boys considerably and tighthead prop Reece Anderson capitalised on good work by his fellow forwards to crash over from close range. McIlveen again converted to extend the lead to 17-8. RBAI scored their third try of the game at the death, with fullback Simon Jackson, who threatened with ball in hand all afternoon, finally getting on the scoresheet. His balanced running evaded several tackles on his way to touching down in the left hand corner. McIlveen’s conversion - the last kick of the game - dropped just short. The referee’s final whistle sounded to the great delight of Gavin Monteith and his players, as well as the large RBAI support in attendance.

The final was a repeat of last season’s showpiece, which RBAI won 13-5. It was another close affair, and the final scoreline somewhat flattered RBAI, who were second best for large periods of the game. The opening quarter was particularly even, with neither team able to penetrate the defence. RBAI outside centre Robin McIlveen eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when he weaved through the Wallace defence to dot down to the left of the uprights. The same player converted for a 7-0 lead. The Lisburn school responded immediately with a try from Dillon Jones. The left wing crossed after a sweeping backline move, which followed a series of close drives by the forwards. Captain Conor Rankin was unable to add the extras. There were no further scores in the first half as both defences scrambled effectively. The score at half time - Wallace HS 5 RBAI 7. Wallace HS completely dominated the early stages of the second half and made a number of line

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