Although the reigning Schools' Cup holders ran out winners by 20 points to seven, the biggest winner was Marie Curie Cancer Care, who are better off to the tune of around £2,500 with some further donations still to come in.

It was also a good day for Ballymena Rugby Club, the hosts of the fixture, who were able to showcase the facilities they have on offer to prospective players, while the family atmosphere surrounding the club was also noted by many observers.

As for the match itself, an early try by John Andrew indicated just how seriously Ballymena Academy were taking the fixture and Caleb Morrison, Johnny McClelland and Charlie Simpson also got on the scoresheet.

The Barbarians side belied the short time they had to acquaint themselves with each other by giving the Academy a stern test and the main difference was that the Galgorm Road school side played with greater cohesion - a result of playing together for longer.

Number eight David Clarke (Ballyclare High School) scored the Barbarians' try and was man-of-the-match.

Out-half Jordan Annett converted the try but had to go off with a dislocated shoulder.

For the Academy, David Whann, as always, was a constant source of lineout ball, while John Andrew, Tim Patton and Sam McNabney worked hard around the field and Caleb Morrison and Charlie Simpson had outstanding performances in attack and defence.

In the match which followed, Ulster under-20s beat Ballymena under-20s 26-5 after storming into a 19-0 lead after 10 minutes.

Ballymena managed to stem the tide and Kyle Moore and Daryl Montgomery caught the eye, as did man-of-the-match Andrew Harbinson.

More pictures from this event in this week's Ballymena Times - in the shops now!