Banbridge Academy 1st XV won the Gary Clarke Memorial Trophy, hosted by Lurgan Rugby Club, last Wednesday evening. The Academy 1st XV have enjoyed a great start to the season, following good performances at the Grosvenor Rugby Tournament, Mr Leslie was delighted to see his team lift the Cup.

The boys defeated Portadown College 12-7, tries from scrum-half Harry Patterson and flanker Dovydas Liutvinas, converted by Harry Patterson. The Team faced a strong Friends’ School Lisburn side and drew 0-0 and then defeated Lurgan College 5-0, try from No.8 and Captain Adam Hanna. The Academy boys were tied with Friends’ but won the Cup on the basis of tries, three tries to one.

Captain Adam Hanna and the Team were delighted to lift the Cup and Adam was also named player of the Tournament. A great start to the season and a credit to Mr Leslie, Roy Stevenson and the entire coaching team – the first silverware of the season for the Academy.