RBAI and Banbridge Academy booked their spots in the John Minnis Burney Cup Final with wins at Havelock Park this afternoon.
Next month’s final will be the sixth time it has been contested by these two schools with RBAI coming out on top in the most recent meeting in 2024.
Banbridge booked their final spot with a 3-1 win over Sullivan Upper in this afternoon’s first Semi-Final.
It took until the 28th minute of the tie for the deadlock to be broken when Josh Osborne won the ball back in midfield before Charlie Taylor’s reverse cross found the unmarked Stephen Grattan for a tap-in.
Their opponents continued to push forward in search of an equaliser as Harry Thompson went close on two ocassions before Adam Duffield struck level from a penalty corner.
However, just two minutes into the third quarter, Charles Stevenson deflected in from close range to restore his sides lead with the help of the woodwork.
Sullivan then thought they had a route back into the game as they were awarded a late penalty stroke, but Banbridge goalkeeper Jack Fleming came out on top to maintain his sides slim advantage.
The save proved key for his side as just moments later they doubled their advantage with Sam Mills scoring from a late penalty corner to round off the win for his side.
In the afternoon’s second game, RBAI cruised into the final with a 5-0 win over Bangor Grammar.
It took just four minutes for the reigning champions to take the lead with James Smith converting from close range.
After a positive Bangor response, the sides went into half-time separated by just one goal before John Cunningham doubled his side’s lead with 35 minutes played.
Then, in the final quarter, Mark Gleghorne’s side proved dominant with James Smith getting his second of the afternoon before Toby Lyons added a fourth.
With just two minutes remaining, Josh Gill rounded off the win, converting from a penalty corner and picking out the top right corner with his drag flick.