2018 Schools Cup Semi-Final - RBAI v RS Armagh - Ravenhill - 7 March 2018

2018 Schools Cup Semi-Final - RBAI v RS Armagh - Ravenhill Stadium 7 March 2018 Some video highlights - capturing most of the critical points of the Schools Cup semi-final between Inst and RS Armagh. Armagh started the better in the game - playing towards the Memorial End and taking advantage of the wind thrown up by a squall that lasted for 20 minutes at the start of the game. A few minutes in Zac Thompson of Armagh (trying to take advantage of the strong breeze) missed a long range penalty kick effort. On 12 mins - Mathew Reaney (No 12) scored a try for Armagh - converted by Thompson. A further Armagh try by captain Jack Treanor followed just a few minutes later (again converted by the No13). On 20 minutes RBAI suffered a significant loss with captain and talisman David McCann having to leave the field with injury. On 25 mins Robin McIlveen kicked a penalty for RBAI from in front of the posts. 31 minutes in and Niall Armstrong (9) scores for RBAI - McIlveen converts for 14-10 scoreline at HT. Armagh again start quicker in the second half with No 8 Ryan O'Neill scoring a try - converted by Thompson. 13 mins into the second period Jude Postlethwaite (11) scores a try in the corner (not converted). Armagh immediately apply pressure again in the RBAI 22 and work a well made try in the corner by Nicholas Jennings (11) (not converted). With the score 26-15 to Armagh the play switched again to the Armagh 22 where RBAI applied good pressure and with five minutes remaining in the 35 minute half RBAI hooker Conor McCormick forces his way over for a try under the posts. McIlveen converts. Armagh now holding a narrow 26-22 defend heroically as RBAI apply huge pressure for the last few minutes of this game. In the last play of the game RBAI have a penalty and run it and after a number of phases they get over the line - only for referee Dan Carson to call the ball to have been held up. The final whistle is blown and Armagh progress to the Schools Cup Final on 19 March where they will play Campbell College (who defeated Methody 17-8 in the semi at Ravenhill on 6 March). Overall the RBAI v Armagh game was a great game to watch. Looking back it felt like Armagh always had an answer to a RBAI score. RBAI lost a number of line outs which stopped their momentum at critical times in the game. RBAI's experience of big games nearly got them out of trouble right at the end - but overall the best team on the day won through.