Academy through to Schools' Trophy final

The game did not start well for the Academy however as after only seven minutes they were 10-0 down with a penalty and a converted try from Cambridge on four and seven minutes respectively.

This shock sparked the Academy into life however and despite playing into a severe headwind they proceeded to march up the pitch with great ball retention.

The Cambridge defence held firm however and it was only on the stroke of halftime that centre Ross Cartmill, the Academy’s most threatening back, struck a beautiful line and crossed for the unconverted try.

A buoyant Academy team came out all guns blazing in the second half and with the wind at their back they always looked the winning team.

Persistent pressure led to the first score on 45 minutes when a driving maul marched over and Prop John Wilson emerged with the ball.

Then more pressure told on 50 minutes when 2nd Row Ethan Cromie barged over to stretch the lead and Out Half Ben Thompson converted.

Again Bann piled on the pressure and this time Hooker Timmy Beattie burrowed over the line to claim another try and Thompson once again converted.

The final scoring act was a 65th minute penalty from Thompson to take the Academy 17 points clear and deservedly secure their final place.

The date and venue for the final are not yet confirmed but the opposition will be Belfast High School who defeated Larne Grammar School 13-7 in the other semi-final.