Banbridge Academy 1^st XV exited the Schools’ Cup on Saturday with a 24-0 loss to a very strong Dromore High side.  Both sides put in a committed and industrious performance on a damp and dreary morning on Barban Hill.

A large crowd had gathered to watch the local derby and despite the weather both teams gave them plenty to cheer.  Dromore got off to a fast start but determined defence by Banbridge Academy, led by Captain Marcus McNeill, repelled them at every attempt.  It wasn’t until the 20^th minute that Dromore crossed the line for their first try.  The score was unconverted.  With the half drawing to a close, Banbridge were starting to tire as they were having to make a huge amount of tackles and Dromore took advantage of this to score on 30 minutes and again on the stroke of halftime.  The 1^st try was converted leaving the score 0-17 at half-time.

The second half saw a resurgence from the Academy boys and wing Dylan Stewart was a hair away from picking up a bouncing ball and dropping over for a score but the greasy ball slipped from his grasp.  Out-half, Daniel Hutchinson, was also a whisker away as he chased down a hack through and dived to try to ground the ball, but a Dromore player also slid in and the referee deemed it a scrum five.  Throughout this period the Academy were playing their best rugby with full-back, Ryan Matthews, very much to the fore with some astute kicking.  But it was Dromore who would have the final say when a good phase of play saw them pressure the line and they slid in for a score on the final whistle.

While the Academy boys were disappointed to lose they can be very proud of their fighting performance against a seeded Dromore side who played great rugby.  The players showed great character throughout and when they had the chance, they played some really good attacking rugby.

The Academy will now play Grosvenor Grammar in the Quarter Final of the Schools’ Bowl with the fixture scheduled for Saturday 29 January at Grosvenor.