Derg boys create history by reaching High Schools’ Cup final at Kingspan

CASTLEDERG High School under-16 rugby team has made history by becoming the first squad from the school since 1991 to reach the High Schools’ Cup final.

Castlederg HS 23 Ballyclare 10

Following an away win to Ballymoney High in the quarter final, the Derg boys were handed a tough home semi-final against the high- flying Ballyclare Secondary.

The first half went with the form book, as Ballyclare took a 10-3 lead into half time using their physical dominance to score two unconverted tries from close range. Castlederg’s only scoring response came from the boot of out half, Bobbi Simpson with a much-needed penalty.

The Castlederg boys used half time to regroup, starting the second half with added determination in defence coupled with ambition in attack.

Huge credit must be given to the entire Castlederg team who by now had come to terms with the strong carrying around the fringes by Ballyclare.

When Ballyclare ventured into midfield, Castlederg captain, Tom Graham, and centre partner, Sam McKenzie, extinguished the threat. The success Castlederg were having in defence and at the breakdown allowed Simpson to take control of the game.

In only his second game as an out half, having moved from the left wing to replace the unfortunate Harvey McCanny, who was injured in the earlier rounds, Simpson produced a man of the match performance.

His tactical kicking, skill with ball in hand and decision making kept his team on the front foot.

Castlederg pressure at the break down lead to Infringements by Ballyclare, giving Simpson the opportunity to knock over two long range penalties.

The breakthrough score came from Castlederg number eight, Paul Miller. Good work down the left by winger Simon Young allowed Miller to take quick ball from his scrum half, and brother David to crash over for a score, converted by Simpson.

A shell-shocked Ballyclare needed to respond. However, as the half went on Castlederg were clearly in the ascendency.

A dogged determination was evident throughout the Castlederg ranks who now had a Kingspan final in their grasp. Nevertheless, the large home support knew another score would be required due to a finely balanced 16-10 advantage to the home team.

The decisive score again came down the left. After quick ruck ball by the Derg forwards, Miller and Simpson combined to send Tom Graham in for a deserved try. Simpson, maintaining his 100% record for the day, knocked over the conversion.

Not even a late injury to Graham could disturb the Castlederg boys. The final whistle was met with celebration on and off the pitch. Another tough test in the final against Bangor Academy now awaits to be played at the Kingspan Stadium on March 22nd.

The team are very much looking forward to the experience and opportunity to play at the home of Ulster Rugby and it is hoped that a group of supporters can make the trip to cheer the boys on.

Coach, and PE teacher, David Burns said his players deserved a huge amount of credit for their semi-final performance.

“They have qualified out of a very difficult group, overcome injury to key players and been disrupted by Covid.

“I am so pleased for the boys, we know that we will be underdogs again in the final against a very strong Bangor Academy, but I also know these boys will give everything.”