Locals target Schools’ Cup success

Ethan Harbinson is one of the local lads hoping to help Inst to Schools' Cup success today. Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

Banbridge RFC Head Coach Daniel Soper doubles as the chief of finalists RBAI and his team includes a fine sprinkling of local talent.

Rathfriland lad Ethan Harbinson (pictured) will line out alongside Banbridge’s Jake Chambers and Dromore duo TJ Morris and Michael Lowry.

Meanwhile, opponents Wallace will include former Dromore RFC lad Gary Dillon in the line-up while Assistant Coach Neil Hynds is from the town.

Inst’s local lads will be out to help their side to their 30th Schools’ Cup success while Wallace are seeking their first ever Cup victory.

Inst’s Ethan Harbinson, whose dad Bill coached at Banbridge and brother Hugo played for the club, is all set to take to the pitch in the Ravenhill cauldron.

“I’ve never really experienced the levels of support that Inst have,” he said, anticipating what is sure to be a huge support for his side this afternoon.

“They do marches to every game and there was at least 200 turned up for the third round. Many more came out for the quarters and the semis. It was amazing.”

Meanwhile, Dromore lad TJ Morris should get plenty of airtime as the game goes out live on BBC2 as the weight of penalty-kicking for Inst falls on his shoulders.

He said: “I played out-half last year but I moved to scrum-half this season. I goal-kick as well so that’s quite a lot of pressure on me. When the time comes, I just have to put the ball over the posts and make sure I get the points.

“I’ve been happy with how I’ve done so far. It’s every boy’s dream to be here.”