Academy set to kick off Ulster Schools’ Cup campaign
Thursday, 12 January 2012
OMAGH Academy's rugby first team embark on their Northern Bank Ulster Schools' Cup campaign on Saturday morning (kick-off 11am) at Campsie Playing Fields with the visit of Banbridge Academy for their second round encounter.
The two sides have already met this season, with the local lads winning 8-6 in Banbridge with an understrength squad. Despite that result, Omagh PE teacher and coach, Ross Hunter, is not getting carried away ahead of the match.
“I wouldn't say we're overly confident or that we aren't confident, we are expecting an even match," he said. "Getting a home draw was the main thing at this stage of the competition."
The local lads bowed out of the competition at this stage last season, falling to a 7-14 home defeat to Rainey Endowed, but they did go on to reach the final of the Schools' Trophy.
And they began this season well, winning four of their first nine or 10 games, but injuries have been an issue all year.
“The season started OK, but we have struggled with injuries," Hunter observed. "We have also been on tour and played a couple of good schools in Scotland. It's been much the same as last year, we've been completing well and I'm reasonably happy."
With several squad members undergoing treatment ahead of Saturday's match with Banbridge, Hunter was waiting until later in the week before naming his panel.
The team is hopeful that a large crowd will attend their cup encounter and hopefully cheer them on to victory. Also on Saturday morning, the school's Medallion team entertain Friends School, Lisburn, in a replay, which should kick-off prior to the first team's match.
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