Wallace through to the Schools’ Cup semi finals

Wallace High School's Jacob Stockdale in action against Campbell College. Pic by Brian Little/Presseye

Campbell enjoyed the majority of possession and territory in the opening 20 minutes and they were rewarded with a penalty to go into a 3-0 lead.

From the kick off Wallace were awarded a penalty at the breakdown after excellent work from Ben Pentland. Ryan Moore slotted over the penalty and added another shortly after.

At this stage Wallace were growing in confidence with Callum Irvine, Max Trouton, Ben Pentland and Josh Collingwood carrying ball effectively and getting over the gain line.

However, it was Campbell centre Jack Owens, who broke through the Wallace defence to score a converted try.

Again Wallace responded and Moore got his third penalty on the stroke of half time to leave the score 10-9 to Campbell.

Following the restart, Wallace came into the game more and had a number of incursions in the Campbell 22.

From one of these Ryan Moore kicked a penalty to put Wallace into a 12-10 lead with fifteen minutes remaining.

Campbell tried in vain to attack from deep as Wallace defended resolutely.

In the end Wallace held out and now face cup favourites Methodist College on Tuesday March 4 at the Dub Playing Fields in Belfast. Kick off is 2.30pm and all support is very welcome.

Captain Callum Irvine reflected on the victory after the game and turned his attention to the semi final against Methodist College Belfast: “This was a great win for us as it is always difficult to go away to Foxes Field and win, particularly against a good Campbell side.

“We can’t wait to take on Methody in the semi final and will enjoy our underdog tag. Playing in front of a large number of Wallace supporters will also be a fantastic experience and one which we will enjoy.”

The Wallace Squad is as follows:

Philip Hylands, Ryan Moore, Jacob Stockdale, Ryan Branagh, Ben Finlay, Ryan Wilson, Jonny Stewart, Callum Irvine (captain), Ben Pentland, Max Trouton, Jonathan Davis, Craig Walsh, Graham Malley, Josh Collingwood, Jonathan Blair, Jacob Singleton, Adam Black, Andrew Weir, Neil Kilpatrick, Andrew Irvine, Sam Moore, Conor Guiney and Andrew Cardosi.