RUGBY SCHOOLS' CUP: Ballyclare High get over Dungannon Royal hurdle

Ballyclare's Mark Crowe in action with RS Dungannon's Adam Cranston

After a keenly contested affair, Ballyclare secured their victory with a try in the last quarter to edge out Dungannon.

Dungannon took an early 7-0 lead. Almost from the kick off Patrick Foster took the ball and charged over the Ballyclare HS line to score a try. Aaron Perry converted for a 7-0 lead.

Both teams were attacking at every opportunity but both defences were well-organised. Ballyclare drew level when Dean Jones broke through the Dungannon defence and finished off with a try. Owen Hutchinson added the conversion and the sides went in at the break locked on seven points.

The Tyrone visitors started the second half in somewhat of a shaky manner. Ballyclare team took a 12-7 lead when Owen Kirk ran in from 40m to touch down for an unconverted try.

Dungannon responded positively and took advantage of a ‘sin-binning’. A cross field kick and clever play involving Peter Doran and Aaron McCammon ended with Perry touching down for an unconverted try to tie the score at 12-all.

Then a failed Dungannon clearance kick was gathered by Ballyclare. Sustained pressure from the home school finished with Jonny Crockett touching down for an unconverted try which saw them through to the next round 17-12.

In the third round draw Ballyclare have home advantage against Bangor Grammar while Dungannon make the short trip to RS Armagh for a Bowl quarter-final.