Academy lose out in Schools Cup

Banbridge Academy 7

BANBRIDGE Academy’s First XV crashed out of the Schools Cup on Saturday in a closely fought and entertaining third round game away to Limavady Grammar.

The final score of 13-7 to Limavady is evidence of the closeness of the game and right up to the final whistle the Academy were in with a chance of snatching victory and progressing in the cup.

The game, played on a firm frosty pitch, couldn’t have started better for the Academy as straight from the kick off they put Limavady under pressure. After a few strong forward drives the ball popped out from a ruck and scrum half Hugo Harbinson pounced on it and raced through the close defence to score under the posts. Team captain, Shandon Scott, added the conversion and gave the Academy a 7-0 lead after only three minutes.

The rest of the first half was a tight affair with Limavady dominating the territory through a strong kicking game but Banbridge having most of the possession albeit in their own half of the pitch.

Midway through the half a well struck penalty gave Limavady their first points but it looked like that would be their only reward as the Academy defence snuffed out all their try scoring opportunities. However, right on the half time whistle, the referee awarded Limavady another penalty and they reacted quickest tapping and running and squeezing over the line before the Academy could organise their defence. The added conversion gave Limavady a 10-7 half time lead.

The second half began as the first ended and Limavady added a further three points with another penalty. This made the score 13-7 to Limavady.

At this point however, the game changed. The Academy looked the fitter side and as Limavady began to tire Banbridge started pressing hard for the winning score.

On two occasions it looked like that score would come but errors with the final pass meant neither chance was taken and though the Academy pressed on it was in vain as the Limavady defence held solid and secured them a close, but on balance of play, probably deserved victory.

All the Academy players deserve credit for a fine performance but Shandon Scott was the pick of the Academy backs and Andrew McConnell and Kallan Martin worked tirelessly in the pack.

The Academy now enter the Bowl competition and they travel to Larne Grammar on Saturday February 6 to play their Quarter-final with high hopes of making an impact in this competition.