A SPECTACULAR first half performance, highlighted by five tries, proved the platform on which Belfast Royal Academy built this Renault Ulster Bank schools cup semi-final triumph at Ravenhill yesterday.
In a power-packed exhibition of open, running rugby, BRA revealed pace and penetration that punched holes in the Wallace cover and morale. By half-time they led by 29-13, but in the second period it was a rather different story.
Full-back Lindsay Kerr, with two superb solo tries, had sent BRA on their way, while Tim Robinson, Chris McCarey and Richard McKillen all crossed the Wallace line with Jonathan Wells contributing two conversions.
Wallace out-half Andrew Spence knocked over two penalties while number eight Andrew Hamilton went in for a try to keep their side in touch. However, in the second half the Lisburn school revealed much greater composure and cohesion.
They drove forward constantly, forcing BRA to concede ground and when Darryl Neville went in for a try, which Andrew Spence converted, BRA came under pressure.
Spence added two penalties but although BRA were restricted to a
Wells penalty, they held out to win.
. Irish international second row Paddy Johns was saved from serious injury after swallowing hiss tongue thanks to quick work from Saracens physio Sarah Owen during last night's 24-15 Courage League win over Orrell. Owen hooked Johns' tongue back into its normal position but the player will be out for three week.
England flanker Richard Hill, who left the field after just 20 minutes, expects to be fit for club duty this weekend and available for England in Wales on Saturday week, despite his third ankle problem in the last eight days.
