IN PICTURES: Academy exit the Schools' Cup in cruel fashion

Troy Pinion in action for Banbridge Academy. INBL1602-216EB

The game couldn’t have been closer and Bann looked like they were heading through until Antrim Grammar landed a last ditch penalty to snatch victory.

Banbridge started the first round tie the better and a driving maul ended with prop John Wilson sneaking over in the corner.

On 22 Minutes Antrim’s Josh Battishill reduced the arrears with a penalty before Academy Flanker Jonny Campbell barged over to make the score 10-3 to Banbridge.

Banbridge Academy with Coaches Brian Leslie, Andrew Craig and Roy Stevenson. INBL1602-202EB

The second half started well for the Academy with Scrum Half Jordan Mount running in a great score to take the Banbridge out to 15-3 but Antrim responded almost immediately when Winger Adam Johnston scored and Battishill converted.

On 55 minutes Antrim closed the gap to two points with a penalty from Sam Gordon.

Then, in the final play of the game, just as the Academy looked to have turned the ball over and won the match, the referee awarded a penalty to Antrim for offside. Gordon coolly slotted the kick and the final whistle blew.

It was an incredibly disappointing way to lose but the team should be proud of their efforts.

The team now move into the Schools’ Trophy and will face Wellington College on Saturday 23rd January.