Wallace fall to Ballyclare in School’s Cup semi

In front of a packed Ravenhill, the East Antrim lads out-scored their Lisburn opponents by four tries to two to secure the school’s first appearance at the showpiece final in 39 years.

The semi-final began at a slow pace with Wallace enjoying the better of the opening exchanges. But it was Ballyclare who made the breakthrough when winger Andrew Butler intercepted a pass to race in and score close to the posts. It left Jonny Holmes with the easiest of conversions to make it 7-0 and that’s the way it stayed at the interval.

The ‘Clare boys came out all guns blazing early in the second session and Holmes stretched their lead when he ran through the Wallace defensive ranks to claim Ballyclare’s second try of the game and make 12-0. This time, he was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt.

Wallace’s response came in the form of centre Jordan Grattan, who touched down for an unconverted try after a strong team move.

But Butler blazed in to claim his second try of the afternoon and this time Holmes made no mistake from the kick to open up a 14-point lead.

And it really was party time when replacement James Beattie powered home to register his side’s fourth try of the afternoon. Holmes put the cherry on the cake when his trusty boot made it 26-5.

Grattan, landing his second score of the day, crossed for a late consolation try, which was converted but it was Ballyclare who sailed through to final.

Ballyclare HS: Holmes, Ferguson, McKee, Douglas, Butler, Irvine, Millar, Darling, Bartley, McKinstry, Dailly, Allen, Reid, Logan, Craig. Replacements: Brolly, Lawther, Kelly, Eastop, Beattie, Greer and Higginson.

Wallace HS: Smyth, Heatley, McClatchey, Scott, Grattan, McCallan, Weir, McCall. McIlwaine, Gilmore, Arneill, Dickson, Davis, Ballantyne, Gilkinson. Replacements: A Gilkinson, Knowles, Chambers, Irvine, Collingwood, Connan, Ard and Hylands.

Referee: S. McDowell

Touch Judges: S. Gaffikin, A Reavey and D. Coey.