Impressive Campbell battle back to claim 23rd title

TRIES from centre Chris Farrell and winger Rob Haldane fired Campbell College to their 23rd Ulster Senior Schools Cup at Ravenhill yesterday.

An early penalty and a drop goal from full-back Matthew McGuigan — the latter coming after Campbell second row Geoffrey Crooks was sin-binned, gave RBAI the early advantage.

But Campbell full-back Rory Scholes halved the arrears with a penalty just before the interval. Chris Farrell forced his way over for the opening try of the game after a flowing move early in the second-half. Scholes added the conversion for a 10-6 lead.

Scholes had two opportunities to extend the lead but was only successful with his second penalty attempt. After 58 minutes some great drives by the RBAI forwards led to second row Michael Kilpatrick scoring in the corner. McGuigan was unable to convert from the touchline as his side trailed 13-11.

Campbell responded superbly and a delightful pass by out-half Creighton put Scholes through a gap and he sent winger Rob Haldane away to score in the corner. Scholes missed the conversion but it mattered little as they held out for a 18-11 victory.

CCB: R Scholes, M Rogers, C Best, C Farrell, R Haldane, J Creighton, G Bailie, S McBrien, K Adams, R Taylor, J Crooke, G Crooks, M Best, JF Bester, C Gallagher.

Replacements: E Vollands, C Jordan, R Greenwood, S Moffett, T Bill, C McGlade, B Sloan.

RBAI: C Neilll, M McGuigan, N Browne, N Dougan, K McLean, J McClure, G Lawlor, M Taylor, M Mairs, A Browne, B Alexander, M Kilpatrick, P Bell, Z Welshman, P Anderson.

Replacements: D Clegg, R Keane, T Dowling, J Martin, A Roulston, M Keane, M Madill.

Referee: M Black.