Two of the teams not involved in the Third Round of the Northern Bank Schools’ Cup locked horns at Pirrie Park on Saturday when Methodist College hosted Ballymena Academy. Report & Pictures

The match proved to be a tense and highly competitive affair with Ballymena keen to make amends for their defeat by Methody back in October. Ballymena started strongly and spent the first ten minutes of the match deep in the Methody half but stout defence by the home team meant that Ballymena were unable to open their account for the day. An attacking kick that didn’t find touch allowed Methody to launch a counter-attack and, several phases later, their centre Conor McKee, burst through the Ballymena defence to score below the posts. Rudolph Benade added the extras to increase the lead to 7-0. Ballymena continued to attack and were awarded a penalty moments later when a Methody player infringed at the ruck. Darren Geddis was successful with his penalty attempt to reduce the arrears to 7-3.Ten minutes before half-time Ballymena scored a decisive try. Following a dynamic driving maul, Ballymena were awarded a penalty close to the Methody line and, from the resulting lineout, George Hargy powered over in the corner. Darren Geddis was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt and the scoreline remained 8-7 until half time. The second half was dominated by the home team who enjoyed the majority of territory and possession. Methody’s excellent ball retention was matched by Ballymena’s aggressive defence and the Belfast boys were held up just short of the line on a couple of occasions during the second half. Rory Winters, James Harrison, Michael Logan and Mark Campbell were at the centre of the hard working pack during this time. Rudolph Benade came close with a difficult penalty attempt in the last few minutes and, shortly afterwards, the final whistle sounded to great relief for the away team who had recorded a narrow 8-7 win at the end of this intriguing game.