Reigning champions Royal Belfast Academical Institution are out to defend their John Minnis Burney Cup title as they take on Campbell College Belfast at Havelock Park this evening.
Tonight’s event also marks a significant landmark in the history of the competition, the 100th Final.
Last year Royal Belfast Academical Institution ended their nearly 20-year wait for to lift the famous trophy with a 2-1 win over Banbridge Academy, with two penalty corner goals from Man of the Match John Cunningham.
Now looking to defend their title, they face Campbell College Belfast who are hoping they can win the competition for the first time since 1986.
Since then, they have been four finals (1999, 2005, 2010 & 2023) but have narrowly missed out to Methodist College Belfast, Banbridge Academy (2) and most recently Wallace High School just two years ago.
Both teams qualified for tonight’s game just two weeks ago, beating Banbridge Academy and Sullivan Upper.
First it was Campbell College who edged past Banbridge Academy in a penalty shootout with goalkeeper Thomas Costello coming out on top for his side.
In the other semi-final, RBAI beat Sullivan Upper 2-0 with Jacob McIlhatton breaking the deadlock before a third quarter goal from John Cunningham sealed the win.
The two sides now meet at Havelock Park, the first time these two sides have met in the final of this competition.
Tonight’s game is scheduled to get underway from 7:30pm with all spectators welcome at the event.