Osborne Park, on Saturday morning was the venue for the Royal Belfast Academical Institution v Methodist College derby game, one of the biggest rivalries in Ulster Schools rugby. Methody were fresh from a win over Ballymena Academy, last week, while Inst were still smarting from a heavy home defeat to Ballymena 3 weeks ago.
Inst took the game to Methody from kick off, winning dominant collisions, forcing the visitors back into their 22. Inst laid siege to the Methody line. It was only a matter of time before a defiant defence was breeched. In the 13th minute Blake McClean powered over for the opening score. Alex Place’s conversion had Inst leading 7-0.
Inst continued to press with all of the game played in the Methody half and most in their 22. McClean scored again, from close range, on 30 minutes. Place’s conversion moved Inst out to 14-0, the halftime score.
After the break Methody had more of the game but struggled to get a foothold in the Inst half.
With their forwards in charge, a series of pick and goes, led to Milo Carter crashing over after 56 minutes. Place’s conversion gave Inst a comfortable 21-0 lead. A 65th minute penalty goal by Charlie Gray had Inst 24-0 up. There was no further scoring.
Inst were well worth their victory and bragging rights over a Methody team, which had produced a very un Methody like performance.
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