SCHOOLS' CUP: Foyle College defeat Banbridge Academy in Danske Bank Trophy final

Foyle College have won the first of thise season's Danske Bank Schools' subsidiary competitions, lifting the Schools' Trophy following a 15-11 win over Banbridge Academy at RS Dungannon.
Foyle's Dare Gill in action with Banbridge's Andrew Denver.Foyle's Dare Gill in action with Banbridge's Andrew Denver.
Foyle's Dare Gill in action with Banbridge's Andrew Denver.

In an exciting final, the Duncreggan Road boys came from 11-5 down at the interval to go on and secure the silverware.

Banbridge opened the scoring with a penalty from Tom Flanagan for a 3-0 lead. This was increased to 8-0 when hard working prop, John Wilson, ran in for an unconverted try midway through the first half.

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Foyle College responded with an unconverted try from Ultan Clancy to reduce their deficit to 8-5.

Foyle captain Thomas Cole celebrates winning the Trophy along with his teamFoyle captain Thomas Cole celebrates winning the Trophy along with his team
Foyle captain Thomas Cole celebrates winning the Trophy along with his team

On the stroke of half-time Flanagan was successful with his second penalty of the game to see his team into the break with an 11-5 advantage.

The second half saw Foyle team dominate for large periods of time.

Matthew Alford ran in for a try, which Killene Thornton converted, to put Foyle into a 12-11 lead.

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Further pressure from Foyle attack forced Banbridge team into conceding a penalty. Thornton converted the penalty to secure the 15-11 victory for the North West School.

Foyle captain Thomas Cole celebrates winning the Trophy along with Lisa Hughes from DunganonFoyle captain Thomas Cole celebrates winning the Trophy along with Lisa Hughes from Dunganon
Foyle captain Thomas Cole celebrates winning the Trophy along with Lisa Hughes from Dunganon

Graffin Parke, Senior Vice President of the Ulster Branch, IRFU, congratulated both teams on reaching the final, thanked the referee, Danske Bank, in the presence of Lisa Hughes, a local Danske Bank Manager, for their continued sponsorship of Ulster Schools’ Rugby and the Royal School, Dungannon for hosting the game.

The Trophy finalist medals were then presented by Parke and Hughes to all the players involved in the game.

Thomas Cole, the Foyle College captain, was presented with the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy.