SCHOOLS' CUP RUGBY: Semi-final draws for Cup and Shield confirmed

Holders RBAI will face the biggest test of their Danske Bank Schools' Cup credentials in the penultimate stage when they meet Ballymena Academy on Monday, February 27.
Danske Bank's Valerie Gordon pictured with Royal Schools vice principal Kenny Hooks
 making the draws for the Schools' Cup competitionsDanske Bank's Valerie Gordon pictured with Royal Schools vice principal Kenny Hooks
 making the draws for the Schools' Cup competitions
Danske Bank's Valerie Gordon pictured with Royal Schools vice principal Kenny Hooks making the draws for the Schools' Cup competitions

In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, the schools will line-up again in the first of this year’s semi-finals.

Inst saw off Campbell College 10-3 in the quarter-finals while Ballymena Academy came through an equally tough encounter 21-17 in Lisburn against Wallace High.

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Ballymena will now look to end Inst’s grip on the trophy, the Belfast school seeking a third straight success.

In the other semi-final, on Tuesday, February 28, also at Kingspan Stadium, Methodist College, Belfast will meet Belfast Royal Academy.

Methody saw off a brave Royal School Armagh challenge in the quarter-finals winning an exciting game 28-24.

BRA received a bye to the semis after their opponents Friends’ School, Lisburn, had to forfeit the tie due to safety reasons in that they did not have adequate front row cover.

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The majority of Friends’ School squad had been on a ski trip to Austria and only returned on Saturday evening. The Lisburn school had made a request to have the game reschudled but an Ulster Branch appeals committee refused the application.

The game remained in doubt until Friends’ School tweeted on Saturday morning that they had withdrawn.

In the Subsidiary Shield semi-finals

Omagh Acacemy will meet Down High and Ballyclare High will take on Grosvenor Grammar. Both ties are to be played on or before March 4.

In the Danske Bank Bowl, for teams losing at the third round stage, Bangor Grammar will meet Regent House in the final on Wednesday, March 1st. A venue is to be confirmed.