Royal Belfast Academical Institution  pulled away in a dominant second half to record a 41 – 8 win against Ballymena Academy in the Danske Bank Schools Cup Semi Final at Ravenhill on Monday afternoon. 

Ballymena enjoyed territory and possession for the bulk of the first half but they were unable to break through the determined Inst defence. The Belfast side landed two telling body blows with tries from Zac Davidson in the first quarter and Niall Armstrong at the start of the second. Armstrong’s try was converted by James Hume to give Inst a 12 – 0 lead at the break. 

Armstrong bagged his second try immediately after half time and though Ballymena responded with a penalty from Bruce Houston the game was over as a contest when Yasser Omar crossed for Inst’s fourth after good work by David McCann. 

RBAI ran in three more tries with Armstrong completing his hat trick in between tries from Michael Lowry and Callum Reid. 

Ballymena refused to drop their heads and did register a try midway through the second half when Azur Allison crossed after good work by captain Alexander Clarke. 

Final score: RBAI 41 Ballymena Academy 8.

RBAI will now face the winner of the other Danske Bank Schools Cup semi final between Methodist College Belfast and Belfast Royal Academy which takes place this afternoon at Ravenhill. Kick off 2:30. 

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