The Front Row Union Sport - Schools’ Cup: RBAI 38 Sullivan Upper 0

Schools’ Cup: RBAI 38 Sullivan Upper 0

Feb 23, 2016

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Most competitive fixtures on Saturday were just that: close fought encounters decided within the last 10 minutes; unfortunately this Cup quarterfinal was not one of them as an in-form RBAI and under-performing Sullivan made for a one-sided affair.

Sullivan actually started the brighter of the two sides, keeping Inst in their own half for the first 10 minutes or so; however, RBAI’s first try set the tone for the whole game as Mark Keane was stopped illegally after charging down an attempted clearance for what would have been a certain try. The penalty score was awarded and an easy conversion made as Sullivan were reduced to 14.

Other tries quickly followed from a turned-over scrum, a brilliant chip-and-chase from Inst captain Conor Field, and a great team effort finally brought over the line by Rhys O’Donnell. James Hume made all but one of his conversion attempts and so RBAI ended the half totally on top and looking very comfortable.

HT RBAI 26-0 Sullivan Upper

The pain continued for Sullivan in the second half although there were glimpses of better form; in normal circumstances they may have had a few scores on the board from penalty kicks, but being so far behind they continued to opt for the corner.

Their improvement was also displayed through the scoreline as they allowed only 12 points in the second half compared to 26, these points coming from another try by Rhys O’Donnell and an interception by Michael Lowry. If the first try set the tone, the final try summed up the morning for Sullivan who will know that they never gave anywhere near as good as display as they were capable of.

FT RBAI 38-0 Sullivan Upper

RBAI go on to face Ballymena Academy in a semifinal to played Monday 29th February at the Kingspan Stadium (KO 2.30pm).