Plate Final success for Wallace boys

The Firsts played Ballyclare High School in a thrilling Ulster Bank Schools' Cup Plate final at the Thiepval Oval, a match which didn't finish until 9.00pm. Ballyclare batted first and posted a competitive 125 in their 28 overs, Wallace captain Alastair McCollum was the pick of the bowlers with 3 - 31 in his allotted 7 overs. In reply the Lisburn team looked completely out of it at 28 - 6 and then 63 - 8 but a superb innings of 62 from Year 12 pupil David Scott just about tipped the match in Wallace's favour. A large crowd had gathered by the time McCollum and Richard Brownlee (the final pair at the wicket) put on 10 to complete an improbable but highly exciting victory.

Coach Ian Latham was understandably proud of his players: "In some ways this has been a difficult season but what a way to finish. The boys all deserve immense praise for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout this long season and for getting their hands on this silverware in such a thrilling finish."

Unfortunately the Under 15 X1 were unsuccessful in their attempts to bring the prestigious Under 15 Schools' Cup back to Wallace for the first time in a few years, losing to a strong Limavady Grammar team by 6 wickets. This team had already beaten schools with a proven pedigree in the sport, namely RBAI, Strabane High, Foyle and Londonderry College and Methody and certainly went into the game with vast confidence having only lost one game all season.

Such is the beauty of sport that this did not guarantee any rewards and despite a good start with the bat (Zack McCall 29, Jake Clements 23 and James McCallan 31) the middle and lower order failed to function and left Limavady to chase 125 to win in 28 overs.

The Wallace bowling attack has functioned well all year but, with humid conditions, pressure of defending a low score and official umpires being very severe on wides, Limavady completed a well deserved victory with overs and wickets to spare. This defeat should not take away from what has been a good season for the under 15 team. Captain James McCallan was the standout performer averaging over 70 with the bat over the course of a long season. He was disappointed not to win but commented: "We're all pretty gutted to lose only our second game of the season in a final but realise what a terrific achievement it was to get there. I would like to thank all the boys for their hard work throughout the year and hope that we can go on to win the Senior Schools' Cup in the next few years."