Banbridge Academy defeated Larne Grammar School 19-10 in the delayed Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Trophy quarter-final last Saturday. In an exciting end-to-end game, Larne Grammar School started the game well and took a 5-0 lead when Jack Withers touched down in the corner for an unconverted try.  Banbridge Academy responded immediately and drew the scores level at 5-5 when the impressive Peter Sleith ran in to score a try which was not converted.  Both team mounted continuous attacks but the defences held firm and there were no further scores in the course of the first half.

Three minutes into the second half, the redoubtable Adam Hanna scored a try for Banbridge Academy, which Tom Flanagan converted, to see the home team into a 12-5 lead.   Midway through the second half, Larne Grammar School reduced their deficit to 12-10 when Liam Slaughter scored a try which was not converted.  There followed a period of pressure from the Larne team, but the Academy defence was equal to the task and with the final play of the game Banbridge Academy secured their 19-10 victory when Wing Matthew Robinson took advantage of good work and a chip through from the impressive full-back Andrew Denver to dot down for a try which Tom Flanagan converted.

Jubilation followed this dramatic finish to a pulsating game and both teams deserve credit for putting on such an exciting game of rugby. Banbridge Academy were rightly overjoyed at this much sought after win having put up one of their best performances of the year.

So it is Banbridge Academy who now go into the Semi-finals with a Home tie against Foyle College. The game is an 11.00am KO at Banbridge Academy on Saturday 3 February.