Banbridge Academy completed the group stages of this year is Danske Bank Schools Cup with an impressive 22-0 win away to Bangor Grammar last Saturday 10^th December. On a frosty morning where only one other Schools Cup game took place the Academy travelled to Bangor to be greeted with a perfect playing surface and a glorious sunny, if very chilly, morning.

The match began well for the Academy, when after just two minutes a cross-field kick from outhalf Andrew Jackson resulted in a spill from the Bangor winger and centre Daniel Hutchinson pounced on the loose ball to dive over the line for the opening score. Most of the rest of the half was played in the middle of the pitch with both teams  having their moments but neither able to penetrate resolute defence from each side. With just seconds left before half-time the Academy executed and excellent right-hand move off scrum and winger Noah Myles dived over in the corner for a well worked try. This was converted from wideout by fullback Ryan Matthews leaving the half-time score 12 – 0 to Banbridge Academy.

The second half began as an evenly contested match with both teams working hard to create opportunities but neither team were able to capitalise on some good field position. After 20 minutes however, Banbridge Academy executed another nice right-hand scrum move this time moving the width of the pitch and scoring in the corner when flanker Tom King picked up at the base of a ruck and dived over. Just 10 minutes later, with the Academy pressing for the 4^th try bonus point, Second Row Noah Bell was the sharpest at a penalty and after a quick tap dived over to secure bonus point and also kill the game as a contest. The Academy were aware that points difference could matter in qualifying out of the group and continued to press for the remaining 10 minutes, but Bangor held firm and there was no further score.

The other game in this group is between Dromore High and Larne Grammar but as this was postponed the final group positions are unsure at this point. However, it is likely that Academy will finish in second place on 10 points but this total is unlikely to be enough for them to qualify for the last 16 section of the Schools Cup, but with 10 games still to be played in other groups anything is possible.

It was a very pleasing display from the Banbridge Academy 1^st XV as away wins are always a rare commodity in the Schools Cup and a large crowd of travelling supporters thoroughly enjoyed their day out in Bangor. The squad will now continue to train over the Christmas period and play friendly fixtures through January and when the competitions resume on the 28th of January they will be ready to play whoever they are drawn against.