Schools' Cup final - Good omens for repeat of maiden cup victory?

Bill Wray, a member of that first Academy team to lift the coveted trophy, recalls: "We drew 9-9 with Methody in the semi final at Ballymena - only the final was played at Ravenhill then.

"I think a lot of people outside our team thought we had lost our chance but we won the replay 7-3 at Pirrie Park the following Wednesday in a "big stakes" game. There was a quiet belief in that team that we could do it and we really wanted to win it.

"We beat BRA 13-9 in the final so there are good omens for the lads this year.

"According to the newspapers, there were 20,000 at Ravenhill that day so it was a big achievement for us.

"I remember it was a warm, sunny St Patrick's Day and conditions for the final were perfect. Both sides played attacking rugby but we took the initiative early on and we were 13-3 up before they got a late consolation try.

"I remember the scenes of absolute mayhem when the final whistle went and it took the players ages to get through the crowd to get the trophy. I do believe we celebrated that night!

"I know that all of that team will be wishing all the best to the lads this year. I have no doubt they can do it once again after that great semi final win. Go for it."

For the record the 1972 team was: Ian Houston, Norman McConaghie, Brian Aiken, Trevor Montgomery, Walker Rainey, John Montgomery (capt), Colin Robinson, David Mawhinney, Wilbur McDonald, Adrian Goodrich, David McKelvey, David Montgomery, Lester Davidson, Nigel Orr, Bill Wray.