Methodist College lift record 36th Schools Cup

Methody celebrate their win over Campbell in the Schools Cup final at Kingspan Stadium. Credit: Presseye

Methodist College Belfast stormed to success at Kingspan Stadium with a 45-17 win over defending champions Campbell College.

First half tries from second row partners Ben Gourley and Max Lyttle gave Methody a 14-10 lead at the break.

Harry Jackson scored from a rolling maul for Campbell to keep them within touching distance.

However, two early second-half tries pushed Methody's lead to sixteen points.

Thomas Armstrong goes over for Methody. Credit: Presseye

First, fly-half Thomas Armstrong capped off a wonderful run by scoring under the posts, then scrum-half Callum Davidson evaded a number of challenges to score.

Campbell's scrum-half Dara Gaskin followed suit with a quick dart from the back of the ruck to score and leave the east Belfast school trailing by nine.

Methody grabbed their fifth try of the afternoon with a quick line-out. David Boden barged over from close range to leave the scores at 31-17 in favour of Methody.

Methody and Campbell in action at Kingspan Stadium. Credit: Presseye

A sixth score followed, with Tom Millar the beneficiary of some powerful work in the forwards.

And Methody left the best to last - a fantastic move through the backs released Armstrong to score his second and MCB’s seventh.

Methodist College Belfast extend their record as the most successful school side in history with their 36th Schools Cup trophy - two of those being shared.

A minute's silence was held ahead of the Schools Cup final in memory of the three teenagers who lost their lives in a tragedy at a Cookstown hotel. Credit: Presseye