Medallion side makes history

Dromore High School 12

School 12

ON a sunny morning Ballymena Academy’s Millar-McBride pitch was to witness a very exciting Medallion Plate final between two well-matched sides.

Although it is fair to say Limavady GS would undoubtedly go in as favourites with wins over the fancied Bangor GS, Coleraine AI and a close defeat against the mighty MCB.

Dromore seemed to start the stronger of the two teams with the pack again showing up well in the early exchanges – particularly Jonathan Andrews (c), Andrew Sleator and Luke Curlett.

The backs, especially the centre pairing of Matthew McDonald and Dale Johnston, exerted constant pressure on the Limavady midfield, with outhalf Ryan Cobb kicking well.

After intense pressure Dromore went ahead after Matthew McDonald broke several tackles to score, Ryan Cobb converting.

Although Limavady threatened at times, Dromore still held the upper hand with Mark McLernon winning good lineout ball. Captain Jonathan Andrews scored late in the half to ensure a 12-0 lead at the whistle.

Limavady had put pressure a lot of pressure on the Dromore line either side of half-time, eventually getting back into the match with a converted try halfway through the second period.

With the Co. Down boys unusually slipping off tackles Limavady levelled the scores with seven minutes remaining. An exciting last five minutes saw both teams valiantly attempting to deliver the ‘knockout blow’, but most would agree the only fair result in a pulsating match was a share of the spoils.

The victory means Dromore are the first non-grammar since Belfast Boys’ Model (1964) to reach a Medallion Shield/Plate final, who lost to MCB. They are also only the second non-grammar to win/share either of the ‘major’ trophies – that’s the Schools’ Cup, Subsidiary Shield, Medallion Shield or Medallion Plate. Boys’ Model won the Schools’ Cup in 1971.