Second final in 10 years for Wallace Medallion
WALLACE 10
RBAI 8
WALLACE progressed to the final of the Medallion Shield
defeating RBAI 10-8 in a keenly contested match at Foxs field, Campbell
College, Belfast lacy Saturday.
They will now face Campbell in the final at Ravenhill on Monday with a 2.30pm start.
This was always going to be a close encounter the teams having drawn 8-8 earlier in the season.
With scrum and lineout functioning well and with powerful runs from captain Zack McCall and Andrew Coffey creating good field position, the pack slowly started to dominated their opponents up front.
A long period of pressure in the Inst 22 led to the first score. From a series of well controlled mauls and drives for the line, Captain Zack McCall broke and dived over for the first score.
Inst responded immediately but another well organised drive from a lineout gave the Wallace pack gave their second try five minutes before half time. Prop Thomas Mclnally scoring from close range.
Inst threatened briefly towards the end of the half and were rewarded with a penalty which made it 10-3 at the break.
A major blow to Wallace was the loss of their captain at half time. A reshuffle saw Stephen Hinds partner Ralph Lavery in the second row with Arron Gilkinson replacing Thomas Mclnally at prop.
Wallace again dominated possession and territory but were unable to convert a number of chances as the midfield was very congested.
Centre Jordan Gratten had another strong game and proved difficult to stop making a series of gainline breaks.
Backrow forwards Cal Mcllwaine and Rhys Lynch were tireless in this phase of the game and their defencive work in particular at ruck and around the pitch was very impressive.
They both made a huge number of tackles and spoiled the opposition ball ensuring that Inst didn't threaten until the final few exciting minutes.
With three minutes to go Wallace were awarded a penalty in the opposition 22 and elected to kick for goal. The kick hit the post and rebounded into play.
Inst had nothing to lose and attacked. They ran the ball very effectively and all but scored in the corner. A last minute tackle by scrum half Peter Weir led to a knockon and Wallace scrum. The line was cleared but the excitement wasn't over yet.
Inst won their lineout and attacked again through their backs this time to score in the corner. That made it 10-8 to Wallace.
There was just time for the conversion. A successful kick would force a replay. The kick was missed and as the final whistle blew the crowd invaded the pitch. Wallace had won.
Coach Jonny Reid praised both teams efforts. "Inst are a very good side. We knew it was going to be close but scoring two tries to Inst's one I think the my boys thoroughly deserved their victory
"They executed very well under pressure throughout the game and were unlucky not to get a few more scores in the second half.
All the coaches working with the team are satisfied that their hard work is coming together at the right time and we look forward to the final at Ravenhill against Campbell on Monday."
Ulster Star
19/03/2010
