Banbridge Academy 1^st XV played their Danske Bank Schools’ cup 2^nd Round tie against an in-form Cambridge House Grammar School at Eaton Park in a very closely contested game which the Cambridge House Grammar School team won by 11-10.

The Banbridge Academy team put in a great physical performance, which the Cambridge House Grammar School team found unsettling at times, and the Academy side went out to a 10-3 lead at the break. Rory McCandless gave the Cambridge House team a 3-0 lead with an early penalty.  The Banbridge Academy team recovered and midway through the first half open side flanker Jake Houston touched down for an unconverted try to give the Banbridge team a 5-3 lead.  This became 10-3 just before halftime when the exciting Andrew Denver, who also captains the team, touched down for an unconverted try.

However, the Cambridge House team had wind advantage in the second half and ten minutes after the re-start Rory McCandless converted a penalty opportunity to reduce the deficit to 10-6. Five minutes later further pressure from the home team presented Tom Wharry with a try scoring opportunity which he took. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Cambridge House team now had an 11-10 lead.

Despite the best efforts of Banbridge Academy players such as Adam Hanna, Niall Thompson and Andrew Denver there was to be no way through a well-organised Cambridge House Grammar School defense and they managed to hold on for a very hard-earned 11-10 win.

The coaching group, while disappointed with the result, were extremely pleased with what was a first rate performance from a side who have had difficult times this season. Every player gave their all and they should be proud of their excellent performance when they went into the game as such strong underdogs.

The season does not end here though as the team now enter the Schools’ Trophy, as reigning holders, and they will travel to play Foyle college on Saturday 26 January at 10.30am.