PRINCIPAL'S PRIDE

Mr Hassard said: “As with all Principals of rugby and hockey-playing schools I expect to spend most Saturday mornings throughout autumn, winter and early spring on a touchline watching pupils compete.

“The joy comes not so much in victories gained, although it is always nice to win, but in witnessing the enjoyment of participation and in progress made by young people under the guidance of their coaches.

“There is also the certain knowledge that the skills of teamwork and the discipline of training and playing within the rules and laws of the games are also skills and discipline for adult life and work.

“It was a great delight, then, to be Principal of one of the Schools’ Cup Finalists. The pilgrimage to Ravenhill involved about 1,000 pupils, what seemed like the entire teaching and support staff, and a huge complement of families, friends and supporters.

“The enthusiasm and the good-humoured chants of both sets of supporters made for a lively experience. The tension and excitement of two evenly-matched sides was sustained. From kick-off to final whistle it really was ‘anybody’s game’.

“To the great delight of the Ballymena Academy supporters, our side shaded the contest and emerged on the right side of the 10–7 score line, courtesy of Callum Patterson’s magnificent drop goal, producing the only points of the second half.

“Abiding memories will be the tide of good wishes which accompanied the side to Ravenhill; the noise and spectacle in the Stand and on the terraces; the relentless tension which made even this fairly taciturn spectator squirm in his seat and, of course, the great sigh of relief from our supporters as the ball was walloped into touch for the last time.

“In the midst of all that noise and action, coaches John Andrews and Gavin Murray remained calm and focused, even when things were not going as they would have wished.

Team Manager, Tom Morrison, and Physio, Veronica Hughes, hurried on and off attending to the players. That digital clock on the Aquinas end seemed to stand still as the three-point lead looked increasingly vulnerable.

“To their great credit, the players showed the same resilience that characterised their performance in earlier rounds. A team of winners and a winning team. They will carry vivid memories of this encounter for many years to come.

“After the match, the congratulations and celebrations continued at a most enjoyable reception, when the boys and their families, staff, and others closely associated with the school, joined together for a meal.

“We were able to mark the occasion in a way that was an affirmation of Ballymena Academy’s family ethos, as well as a way of enjoying this achievement. Next year? That’s another story altogether!” added Mr Hassard.