2019: SchoolsCupQuarter-Final: MCB v RBAI : 23 Feb 2019

RBAI 29-14 MCB
HIGHLIGHTS

2019 Schools Cup - Qtr-Final - MCB v RBAI

(note the game contains future Ulster players - Ethan McIlroy at 15 for MCB and David McCann at No 6 for RBAI).

With RBAI having defeated RS Dungannon in the 4th Round of the Schools Cup at Cranmore and MCB having defeated Dalriada away - the two teams met in the quarter-final of the Schools Cup on 23 Feb 2019 at Pirrie Park. MCB would lead 15-7 at half-time and win 29-14 at full-time.

RBAI scored first with a try from their out-half (converted) after 5 minutes. Then MCB dominated the next 20 minutes or so of play in which time they scored two tries through effective rucking and continuity of play through phase. RBAI came back at MCB late in the first half and came very close to a try just before half-time - but the ball was held up over the line and the halftime whistle was sounded. 15-7 at HT.

MCB started strongly in the second half and found themselves in a good position in front of the RBAI posts after 5 minutes and they spread the ball wide to the right-winger for a try. 22-7.

The game was pretty even for a while after that with RBAI gradually taking some control - and on 25 minutes they worked the ball well to set up their No. 8 for a try. RBAI tried to keep the momentum going but a few handling errors stopped their efforts.

Then MCB's outhalf having already had a good run which led to a scrum (due to an injury to the RBAI No15 who tackled him). From the scrum the MCB No 10 again broke past his tacklers and this time made it to the line. Another fine kick by the MCB No 15 made it 29-14. The game played out after that and MCB eased to the win.

MCB will play Wallace at Ravenhill in the semi-final.

Postscript - MCB went on to beat Wallace well (19-3) in the semi-final where they played Campbell College on Monday 18 March at Ravenhill. CCB had defeated Armagh 12-10 in a very close semi-final.

MCB eased to a 45-17 win v CCB in the final of the 2019 Schools Cup.