Friends and Wallace prepare for Schools' Cup

The Lisburn school produced an excellent second half performance in the fourth round of the Cup to defeat a strong Sullivan side 17-15, in a nail biting game of rugby.

Although the Lisburn side go into the game as underdogs they have a renewed confidence within the squad which has been proven through various games throughout the season including wins against Ballyclare, Dalriada, Omagh Academy and a close contested game with BRA losing narrowly by 7-0. The squad have also benefited greatly from the tour to Canada this season as they won four games out of four including a 5-0 win over the current British Colombia Champions.

The game against Ballymena Academy will be a tough encounter for Friends although they are certainly setting their sights on an upset and are planning to book their place in the semi-final of this competition which hasn't been achieved for a long time by the Lisburn School.

Coach Stephen Robinson commented: "The squad produced an excellent second half performance in the Sullivan game and if they are able to build on this they certainly have the talent and ability to take the spoils in Ballymena."

Captain Alisdair Trimble is also looking forward to the Cup game as he says: "Ballymena are a good side and are well used to cup rugby along with their many representative players.

"We however, have continued to improve throughout the season and the squad are looking forward to the tough encounter this Saturday."

Friends have the opportunity to re-write the history books this weekend and although the pressure is on Ballymena Academy as the favourites, the Lisburn side are certainly planning to create another upset. The game will kick-off at 11.00am and all support will be greatly appreciated.

WALLACE High School have home advantage as they entertain Regent House in the quarter final of The Northern Bank Schools' Cup this Saturday (11.00am).

Both schools are recognised as yearly top eight seeds and they will be fully focused on winning what will be a tight encounter.

Regent have beaten Wallace twice this season, the most recent on January 23, when they comprehensively outplayed Wallace to gain victory. Regent possess a powerful and dynamic set of forwards with an authorative and threatening half back pairing.

The success of the previous round against Omagh has given the Wallace squad much needed confidence. The level of performance will need to improve further if they are to progress to the semi final stage.

Other results Medallion Shield - Wallace HS 21 Ballyclare High School 0; 3rd XV Cup - Wallace HS 3rdXV 7 Ballyclare HS 0; Banbridge Academy 12 Wallace HS 4thXV 33.

Touring results: Wallace HS U14A XV 0 Old Swinford 32; Wallace HS U14B XV35 Old Swinford 5; Wallace HS U13A XV 46 St. Joseph's Ipswich 17.