Methodist College travelled to Osborne on a dry and windless Saturday morning to play old rivals Royal Belfast Academical Institution.

Report and images by Bob Given

Both defenses were on top in the opening phases but gradually Methody’s possession began to wear down the Inst defense.

After a series of pick and drives close to the Inst line, Jake Bowden burrowed over for an unconverted try after 15 minutes.

Inst tried to respond but were beaten back by a stubborn Methody defense.

Methody consolidated their lead after 30 minutes when Ryan Kidd bulldozed over and with the last play of the first half when scrum half David Armstrong sniped in. Both tries were converted by Ben McFarland to give Methody a 19-0 half time lead.

The second half was barely 5 minutes old when Methody increased their lead when winger Joe Dickson squeezed in at the corner. Methody lead 24-0.

Inst never gave up and spent 10 minutes camped on the Methody line, each drive being repulsed by dominant tackling.

Methody deserved their 24-0 win but will feel that they left a few scores out there.

Gallery Below