REGENT HOUSE had one hand on the Ulster Schools' Cup when the trophy was snatched from their grasp - at least for the time being - by a resurgent Methodist College side. Deep into injury-time of an absorbing contest, Methody's Jeff Park slotted over a penalty kick that gives his school a share of the trophy for the next 12 months. Methody almost left it too late. A resilient Regent House side, spurred by a dynamic display from their pack, took the game to their opponents and looked the more composed side in the early stages.

Out-half Andrew Laird orchestrated most of Regent House's attacking strategy. His line kicking and shrewd distribution proved the catalysts for bouts of sustained pressure.

Laird also provided an early tonic for his side when he stroked over an 11th minute penalty. It was no more than they deserved, too, as the Newtownards school's pack had rocked Methody in the early stages. However, Methody, fortified by their splendid tradition and continuing hunger, came close to seizing the initiative when Richard Girvan was halted on the Regent House line in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, Regent had cause to be thankful again when Park missed an extremely kickable penalty.

Regent House regained their composure and with Laird driving his pack forward, Methody were forced backwards. Laird, though, missed a 19th minute penalty and was also off target shortly before half-time when his side were worthy of further points.

Methody's fighting qualities and teamwork stood them in good stead as they weathered the storm to trail just 3-0 at the interval. That situation was remedied within eight minutes of the restart when Park fired over a penalty to bring the sides level.

It was the signal for a Methody onslaught, with second row David Irwin winning a steady stream of possession which allowed his halfbacks to flight probing kicks that forced Regent House to retreat.

However, Laird steadied his side again, returning some of the Methody pressure with interest as he found decisive touches. And when Methody transgressed at a ruck, Laird hoisted over a penalty in the 56th minute to give his side a 6-3 advantage. Five minutes later he repeated the dose to leave Regent House 9-3 in front.

Methody's forward power helped, to take them through a turbulent last 10 minutes. With just nine minutes to go, Park landed his second penalty to reduce the deficit and then, in the sixth minute of injury-time, he cooly guided over a huge kick from close to the touchline to earn his side a division of the spoils.