Academy claim place in Subsidiary Shield decider

Ballymena Academy booked their place in the Final of the Danske Bank Subsidiary Shield with a hard-fought 14 – 8 away victory against Limavady Grammar.
Ballymena Academy's players celebrate after reaching the final of the Subsidiary Shield after beating Limavady Grammar.Ballymena Academy's players celebrate after reaching the final of the Subsidiary Shield after beating Limavady Grammar.
Ballymena Academy's players celebrate after reaching the final of the Subsidiary Shield after beating Limavady Grammar.

Conditions were difficult for both teams with the strong winds, combined with a heavy pitch, ensuring that it was not a morning for free-flowing rugby.

Ballymena were quick out of the blocks with a try after only two minutes when Andrew Magrath cut through the Limavady defence and off-loaded to Jonathan McKeown who finished below the posts.

Magrath added the extras for a 7–0 lead.

Midway through the first half, Andrew Magrath’s clever footwork resulted in another line break and, after several quick phases deep in the Limavady 22, Jonathan McKeown powered over for his second try.

Andy made no mistake with the conversion to take his side into a 14–0 lead.

Both teams had chances late in the first half, but the score remained unchanged until the interval.

Limavady started the second half with a successful penalty attempt and continued to put pressure on the Ballymena line with a sustained period of possession.

Ballymena seemed to have weathered the storm, but a couple of careless decisions resulted in the away team finding themselves camped on their own line again.

After several driven line-outs, the abrasive Limavady pack rumbled over in the corner.

The difficult touchline conversion was missed and the score remained 14–8 until the final whistle sounded for the relieved and elated Ballymena Academy team and travelling supporters.

Ballymena Academy now lock horns with local rivals Dalriada in the final which is scheduled for Wednesday 19th March at Shaw’s Bridge.

Ballymena Academy: Hanna, Reynolds, Rea, Small, Alexander, Magrath, Archer; Gillan, McNabney, Stevenson, Joe Thompson, Jolly, Bill, McKeown, Maguire. Rep. Josh Thompson