Belfast High and Foyle College kicked off the Danske Bank Schools Cup in atrocious conditions at the Shore Road Belfast on Saturday morning.

The trip was certainly worthwhile for the visitors who returned to the North West with a place in the second round after a 7 – 21 win thanks to tries from Conal Gill and Killene Thornton and three penalties and a conversion from the boot of Matthew Orr. Belfast High scored a first half try from Tyler Arnold with Simon White adding the conversion.

Despite Belfast High controlling early possession it was Foyle that went ahead with Gill scooping up a charge down to outstrip the defence and score. Orr added the extras and Foyle led 0 – 7 somewhat against the run of play.

The hosts hit back with a try from Arnold and with White adding the extras the game was tied at seven apiece. However as conditions continued to deteriorate it was Foyle who were able to adapt with Orr slotting over two penalties to give visitors a 7 – 13 lead at the break.

Belfast High enjoyed the bulk of possession at the start of the second half but the Foyle kicking game got them out of trouble and Orr extended the lead with his third penalty before scrum half Thornton and winger Matthew Alford combined for Thornton to score in the corner to wrap up the game.

After the game Foyle coach David Barnett praised his side for the big effort they put in and singled out No. 8 Joel Smith and captain David Jackson for their contribution.

Final Score:  Belfast High 7 Foyle College 21

Foyle were rewarded with a home draw in the second round against Antrim Grammar on Saturday, January 23.

Belfast High go into the Trophy quarter-finals with a home tie against Lurgan College.

Images courtesy of Ian Humes Photography

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