Grosvenor Grammar School and Royal Belfast Academical Institution were both crowned champions of the respective McCullough Cup tiers this afternoon.
Grosvenor were crowned champions of Tier 2 with a narrow win over Methodist College Belfast, whilst RBAI beat Friends’ School Lisburn 3-2.
In Tier 2 Grosvenor Grammar overcame Methodist College Belfast in a repeat of last season’s final which was won by this year’s runners-up.
After a tight first quarter, the deadline was finally broken just five minutes into the second. Having broken down the right wing, it was Grosvenor who finally broke the deadlock with 20 minutes played as Thomas Bailie converted following a scramble in the goal mouth.
Just 10 minutes later it was Methody who drew level. Having put the Grosvenor defence under considerable pressure after going behind, Ethan Hibble drew his side level going into the half-time break.
However, just six minutes into the second half, Grosvenor were back in front as Finn Cross converted from close range to put the Belfast school 2-1 ahead midway through the third quarter.
With MCB having withdrawn their goalkeeper for the closing stages, it was Grosvenor who took advantage with Adam Peel being left with an open goal to extend their lead to 3-1 with the final touch of the game.
In Tier 1 a John Cunningham hat-trick sealed the title for RBAI as they beat Friends’ School Lisburn 3-2 in a thrilling final at Comber Road.
It took just 14 minutes for the deadline to be broken as the Belfast school were awarded a penalty stroke and it was Cunningham who stepped up to take before converting into the left side netting , despite the goalkeeper going the right way.
However, immediately from the restart, Friends’ were awarded a penalty corner and captain Tom Archbold converted to equalise.
The scores remained level until the second half when RBAI were once again awarded a penalty stroke where again it was Cunningham to strike and this time he picked out the top right corner to restore his sides lead.
However, Friends were to level once more as Euan Jack deflected in from a penalty corner to make it 2-2.
Then, with the last touch of the game, RBAI were awarded a penalty corner with Cunningham snatching victory for his side.
