Banbridge Academy 43 – 14 Bangor Academy

The Banbridge Academy Medallion XV hope to emulate the classes of 2021/22 & 2022/23 by lifting an Ulster Branch trophy and completing a remarkable treble. In the past two seasons the school has picked up the Medallion Bowl and Medallion Trophy and are now in another final hoping to retain the Trophy. Belfast HS provide the opposition in the final and the squad are relishing the prospect of silverware. The cup campaign started back in November when the Academy hosted an inform Antrim GS side. After numerous scores were exchanged it was the away side who progressed 24-17 to the next round allowing the Academy to enter the Trophy for the 2^nd successive season. The Academy scores came from a hat-trick by impressive fullback Sam Leslie with Year 10 player Dawson Knox kicking the extra two. Ballymoney HS was the destination for the Trophy quarter-final which saw the away side grind out an impressive 15-0 win in difficult conditions. The tries were scored by Sam Leslie, Conor Patton and Syd Moore. Bangor Academy made the trip south for the semi-final and the game didn’t disappoint. Both sides took time to settle into the game but once the Academy opened up a lead it was always going to be difficult for the resilient Bangor side to get back into the game. Another hat-trick from Sam Leslie and further tries from Luke Wills, Syd Moore, Conor Patton and replacement prop Sam Williamson ensured a third final in three seasons. Vice-captain Conor Comiskey kicked four conversions to leave the final score 43-14 to the home side. Coaches Charlie and Jemma Farrell have worked tirelessly with the squad all season with just one team now standing in the way of an historic treble. The Medallion Trophy final is due to be played on Thursday 22 February against Belfast HS at the neutral venue of Friends’ School Lisburn. Kick off is at 2.45pm and all support is most welcome.

Squad: Sam Leslie, Harry Davidson, Theo Wan, Ethan Houston, Harry Purdy, Conor Comiskey (VC), Mathew Currie, Oliver Neill, Luke Wills, Calum McMurray, Conor Patton, Josh Hine, Syd Moore, Matthew Christie, Patrick McElroy (C), Sam Williamson, Ellis Humphries, Joshia Rodgers, Conor McNamee, Dawson Knox, Charlie Thom, Jack Lewis, Harry Steenson, Leo O’Neill, Adam Boggs, Adam Freeburn, Dawin Widdis, Isaac Balfour