Royal Belfast Academical Institution were crowned champions of the John Minnis Burney Cup with a 2-1 win over Banbridge Academy.
Two goals from Man of the Match John Cunningham proved to be decisive despite a late goal from Banbridge’s Adam McKee.
The first chance of the game came with just five minutes on the clock. A diagonal aerial into the circle was missed by the defender before Adam McKee fired wide from a tight angle for Banbridge Academy.
R.B.A.I’s best chance of the quarter came with the games first penalty corner but they were unable to get a shot away as John Cunningham was dispossessed.
Just a minute into the second period McKee won the ball back in a dangerous position for his side, but was brilliantly tackled by Tom Crothers before he could get a shot on goal.
With 22 minutes on the clock R.B.A.I got the games opening goal through forward John Cunningham.
Having won their second penalty corner of the game Cunningham’s drag flick from the top of the D proved to accurate for Banbridge goalkeeper Denver Golbey as he picked out the top left corner.
Despite a period of pressure from Banbridge Academy following the goal, it was R.B.A.I who got a second.
Upon the half time whistle the Belfast side were awarded another penalty corner and it was Cunningham who struck with his second goal of the game.
A carbon copy of his opening goal, Cunningham executed another inch-perfect drag flick into the top corner to give his side a two goal lead at the half time break.
In the third quarter is was Banbridge who came out of the blocks quickest.
But again they were unable to break down the stubborn Inst defence with goalkeeper Sam Holmes going largely untested.
As the game approached the closing stages the leaders were dealt a blow as midfielder George Thompsons was shown a yellow card, bringing his game to an end.
Then with nine minutes remaining Banbridge were given a lifeline.
After another period of sustained pressure, a crash ball into the circle was deflected in at the near post by forward Adam McKee to make it 2-1.
Moments later McKee almost drew level as he rounded Holmes but with the angle against him, his reverse strike could only find the sideboard.
In the evenings other game Cookstown High School won the Ferris Cup with a 2-1 win over R.B.A.I.
Goals from Callum Hewitt and Noah Cuddy helped seal the victory with the two schools set to meet twice next week.
PHOTO: PATRICK CAMPBELL
