Dromore HS set for Schools' Cup

Dromore High School are set to make their debut in Ulster's premier schools tournament.

The local school have totally dominated the High Schools’ Trophy for over a decade and now they look sure to make the step up to the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup next season.

It will be the first time Dromore have ever featured in the competition, coming five years after the school hosted it’s first crop of sixth year students.

The news follows the school’s latest victory in the High Schools’ Trophy, a stomping 31-0 success over Ballyclare HS in last week’s final.

And now they’re going to make the step up.

Chris Webster, Head of Domestic Rugby at Ulster Rugby confirmed that, while nothing is set in stone, it is ‘very likely’ that Dromore High School will play in the Schools’ Cup next season.

“We’re working to give it a go,” said Dromore HS coach Josh Pentland.

“We have a growing sixth form so we want to do it. It would be a competely different challenge for us all and a massive one but it would be great for the school.

“We’ve proved ourselves in the High Schools’ Cup but this would be totally new. Even getting through one round would be a success for us.”

This is Pentland’s first season coaching the team, as Jacques Benade has taken a career break and he says Dromore’s total domination of the High Schools’ Cup is down to Benade.

“Jacques has to take a lot of credit for it all,” he said. “He did a fantastic job and I was lucky to inherit such a good side.

“There is also a great tradition of producing great rugby players in Dromore. The club have a great minis and youth section which really benefits the school.

“The Principal and everyone in the school give great support to the team as well.”

Now it’s all down to this year’s crop of trophy champions to make sure they’re still around the school for the big debut.

“It’s a great incentive for our fifth year lads to make sure they stay on,” said Pentland, “so they have to knuckle down and get the work done for their GCSEs.”

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