Patterson stars as Ballymena secure Ulster crown

CHUNKY fly-half Callum Patterson was the hero for Ballymena Academy as they lifted the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup for the first time in 29 years at Ravenhill yesterday.

BRA went in as favourites to collect only their second success in the competition but the big siege-gun boot of Patterson did the needful with a touchline conversion to a try in which he was heavily involved, and a second-half winning drop goal.

The Belfast boys had dominated the early possession, but Ballymena showed that they can soak up the pressure and counter-attack with flair, with full-back Charlie Simpson and winger Caleb Morrison particularly dangerous.