We caught up with the Schools U16 Cup on Wednesday afternoon as Dalriada hosted Banbridge Academy in a Tier 2 Group decider. It was a game that had everything, wind, rain, bright sunlight and rainbows on the weather front plus plenty of effort and a few controversial decisions on the pitch.

Both teams went into the game undefeated in their group and both fancied their chances for the win. Despite playing into a strong wind, blowing straight down the pitch, Dalriada opened the scoring a couple of minutes in with captain Adam Bustard finding the line after Banbridge failed to clear the kick off.

Dalriada continued to apply the early pressure but Banbridge looked dangerous on the counter, and after one break out they got on the scoreboard with a penalty from Daniel Hutchinson to take the score to 5 – 3 in Dalriada’s favour.

With neither sides lineout functioning as it should the visitors struggled to take advantage of the strong wind and, with generally unfavourable playing conditions throughout the game, both sides didn’t find the continuity they would have liked, the handling mistakes giving Dalriada’s big pack a distinct advantage.

However, Banbridge never stopped trying to move the ball and a break out from their own 22 saw right wing Luke Chapman run it home from his own 22, Hutchinson adding the conversion to take the score to 5 – 10 in Banbridge’s favour at half time.

Dalriada kicked well to set up a few chances at the start of the second half but their lineout let them down and they had to settle with 3 points from the boot of Gabriel Stubbs-Carton at the end of the third quarter which moved the score along to 8 – 10.

Banbridge continued to look dangerous with the ball in hand but were continually blown for rucking offences and after a succession of penalties Dalriada’s captain fantastic Bustard was able to drive over for the decisive score. Stubbs-Carton added the extras to give Dalriada a 15 – 10 lead.

The home side produced a strong final five minutes to defend their slender lead and end the pool stages top of their group.

Gallery Below