Below are captain comments, video clips and pictures charting the progress of each team to the final beginning with the thoughts of Barney Mcgonigle one of the co-ordinators of the tournament.
The climax of one of the most exciting Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup competitions will take place on Thursday 17th March when two of the most successful teams in the history of the Ulster Schools’ Cup, Campbell College and Royal Belfast Academical Institution, meet in the final at Ravenhill.
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This eagerly anticipated clash should attract a huge crowd of supporters, many of whom have been following the competition since the Round 1 game in December.
CAPTAIN’S PRE-FINAL COMMENTS
Paddy Bell, Captain of Royal Belfast Academical Institution:
“I’m really looking forward to the game; the Schools’ Cup Final is an amazing occasion. I played two years ago as a replacement which was a taster and I can’t wait until Thursday.”
“Our forwards are our strength and I think Campbell know that as well. Campbell have talented backs but you can’t use them if you don’t have the ball.”
“Obviously Campbell have played more games recently but I don’t think that will affect them. The three games they played against Methody were tough but we had two games against Armagh. We have done a lot of training over the last two weeks and now it’s tapering off.”
“Most of the school are going and I’m sure there will be a massive crowd.”
John Creighton, Captain of Campbell College Belfast:
“It’s my first experience of a St Patrick’s Day Final so I’m really looking forward to it. We know Inst are a very good side this year and have some great players.”
“We had really tough games against Methody but that has built up our fitness. There’s a bit of tiredness but all the knocks should be shaken off by Thursday.”
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Both Campbell College and Royal Belfast Academical Institution have had to work hard to reach the final of the Blue Riband competition of Schools’ Rugby in Ulster.
The Campbell College team had three very challenging games against Methodist College in the quarter-finals while Royal Belfast Academical Institution had to play a replay of their quarter-final tie against Royal School, Armagh at the same stage.
CAMPBELL V METHODY: Quarter Final Video & Pictures
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FOR 263 PICTURES CLICK HERE COURTESY OF RAB IRWIN
FOR 14 PICTURES FROM PRESS EYE CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF CAMPBELL COLLEGE V METHODIST COLLEGE
AND FOR ANOTHER 52 PICTURES CLICK HERE
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CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF METHODY V CAMPBELL
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RBAI V RS ARMAGH: Quarter final Video & Pictures
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NEW PICTURES OF RBAI V RS Aramgh CLICK HERE
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Both teams had comfortable semi-final victories against Ballyclare High School and Coleraine Academical Institution respectively and the scene has been set for what could be a classic St Patrick’s Day encounter.
BALLYLCARE V CAMPBELL: Semi final Video & Pictures
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MORE PICTURES CLICK HERE
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Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Round Up Saturday 12th March 2011.
After one of the most exciting Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup campaigns for many seasons the finalists for the St Patrick’s Day show down are now known.
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RBAI V Coleraine AI: Semi Final Video & Pictures
CLICK HERE FOR 100+ NEW PICTURES OF RBAI V COLERAINE AI
CLICK HERE FOR 57 PICTURES FORM PRESS EYE
CLICK HERE FOR 62 PHOTOS FROM INTOUCH RUGBY
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TEAM RBAI by Barney McGonigle
The strength of the Belfast Inst team would appear to be in their pack where they rely heavily on the work rate and industry of Paddy Bell, the Inst captain, and Zach Welshman in the back row. These players are assisted ably by Conor Neill and Michael Mairs in the front row while Michael Kilpatrick and Ben Alexander can be relied upon to provide a good supply of quality lineout ball as well work effectively with the ball in hand. Paddy Anderson is developing a growing reputation as a dynamic No 8 and will ask questions of the Campbell College back row in the course of the game. The Royal Belfast Academical Institution back division should not be underestimated as they have a number of very talented players to call upon. Wingers, Nathan Browne and John McClure have been regular try scorers throughout the season while Kevin McLean brings a wealth of experience to his midfield role. Gareth Lawlor and Nathan Dougan have contributed much to the success of the Belfast Inst team in the course of the season and given the opportunity, would be delighted to do so again on St Patrick’s Day. If Matthew McGuigan can overcome inconsistencies in his kicking duties, on his day he is one of the best strikers of a ball in Ulster Schools’ rugby.
TEAM CAMPBELL by Barney McGonigle
The Campbell College team does not appear to have suffered any significant setback to their form as a result of their marathon quarter-final encounters against Methodist College. In fact, if their performance against Ballyclare High School in the semi-final is anything to go by, they seem to have become battle hardened. On paper, the Campbell College squad could see themselves as favourites to win the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup. However, they would be foolish to take anything for granted. The Campbell College front five will have to work hard to contain the Belfast Inst team at the set piece encounters. Seb McBrien and Jack Cooke bring representative experience to the front and second rows respectively. They will hope to get huge games from Kyle Adams, Ross Taylor and Geoffrey Crooks in the scrums and linesout. The Campbell College back row was instrumental in laying the foundations of the team’s success in the semi-final encounter with Ballyclare High School. Charles Gallagher and Mark Best have been particularly impressive throughout the Schools’ Cup campaign with their skill, industry and desire to succeed. The back row clash in the Schools’ Cup final could be worth the admission money alone. If the Campbell College forwards can produce the quality possession their back division craves, the Belfast Inst defence will need to be well organised and very disciplined. There is talent in abundance throughout the Campbell College back division which puts a major onus on the Campbell College scrum half, Glenn Bailie. With players such as John Creighton, Chris Farrell, Chris Best, Rob Haldane, Moss Rogers and Rory Scholes outside him, Glenn will be expected to provide a quick and effective service so that his backs can exploit the space provided by the Ravenhill pitch.
DURING THE SEASON INTOUCH HAS GATHERED FOOTAGE OF BOTH TEAMS – BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS AND INTERVIEWS FROM CAMPBELL V REGENT HOUSE & BRE + RBAI V DALRIADA, METHODY & DOWN HIGH SCHOOL
This game has all the indicators of being a classic Schools’ Cup final encounter. The players will look forward to the occasion with the nerves building as St Patrick’s Day approaches. The team that can overcome the pre-match nerves and settle quickly to the task at hand on the day should be the team that wins!! I am sure they will all enjoy the occasion.
REGENT HOUSE V CAMPBELL
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES FROM REGENT HOUSE V CAMPBELL COLLEGE
CAMPBELL V BANGOR
CLICK HERE to enjoy 16 pictures from the game courtesy of Ken Best
CAMPBELL V BRA
CLICK HERE to enjoy 21 pictures of the game
RBAI
rbai v dalriada 5th feb
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF RBAI V DALRIADA
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RBAI v Methody
116 Pictures slideshow here from RBAI v Methody 23rd Oct 2010, pictures are free to download just click on the one you want – Enjoy! Click Here
Below an excellent clip of last few mintues of the game & interviews with RBAI & Methody coaches & Referee.
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RBAI V DOWN HIGH SCHOOL
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Video Interview With RBAI Coach Gavin Monteith – Click Here –
89 Picture slideshow here From RBAI v Down High School, pictures free to download – Click Here –
Another 120 Pictures here From RBAI v Down High School, courtesy of Thomas Anderson – Click Here –
THIS IS GOING TO BE SOME GAME: IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT.
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