Dalriada book third round place

The Omagh Academy team kicked the game off in almost perfect conditions. The opening quarter saw both packs test each other with the Dalriada pack getting on the front foot on a number of occasions.

This enabled the Dalriada backs to test the opposition with their direct lines of running and pace of their attacks. However, they struggled to turn the pressure into points until Aaron Christie touched down for an unconverted try to give the Dalriada team a 5-0 lead.

The Omagh team then responded with a Kyle Beattie try, which he converted, to leave the Omagh Academy team with a 7-5 lead at the half time break.

The Dalriada captain, Angus Johnston, scored a try immediately after the break which Stewart Moore converted to see the home team into a 12-7 lead.

It was only in the final quarter of the game that the Dalriada team sealed their win. Thomas Hunter and Fergal Wiseman each scored a try.

Both were converted by Stewart Moore which saw the Dalriada team into a 26-7 lead. The second half certainly proved that this team has the capability to go deep into this competition with the forwards showing they have an excellent set piece along with a solid defence.

Key to this game lay at the end of the second half with two played in the bin, the defence held on under constant attack to concede only the single score in the first half going into half time.

This spirit certainly galvanised the side and with a full fifteen players back on the pitch they took control of the game by dominating possession and territory.

Credit to the Omagh Academy team they never gave up and Glen McKinley, a late call up for the ill Neil Logan, took advantage of some great work from Matthew Clyde and James Longwell, to touch down for a try. Kyle Beattie added the extras to leave the final score reading 26-14 in favour of the Dalriada.

THIRD ROUND DRAW

The draw for the third round of this season’s Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup was made at Kingspan Stadium, with one of the favourites, Ballymena Academy, pitched against last season’s beaten finalists, Wallace HS.

The winners were joined in the third round draw by the remaining eight schools: Ballymena Academy, Campbell College, Coleraine GS, Down HS, Methodist College, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Sullivan Upper and Wallace HS.

The draw was conducted by Richard Caldwell, representing Danske Bank and Bobby Stewart, IRFU (Ulster Branch) President, during half time at the Ulster v Oyonnax Champions Cup game at Kingspan Stadium.

Regent House v Sullivan Upper

Ballyclare HS v Bangor GS

Foyle College v Dalriada

Friends’ School v Campbell College

Down HS v BRA

Ballymena Academy v Wallace HS

Methodist College v Rainey Endowed

RBAI v Coleraine GS

The matches are scheduled for Saturday 6th February.