St Columb’s College were arguably the big winners on the NISFA Schools’ Cup Finals Day with wins in the Under-13 and Under-16 cup competitions.
During an action-packed day at the Ballymena Showgrounds complex yesterday the Derry-Londonderry school defeated Belfast school Aquinas 4-0 in the Invitational U13 Cup. Two goals from Oran Kelly either side of a Jack McFeely strike put them in the driving seat. And Paul Keogh completed the scoring in added time.
The St Columb’s U16 team also triumphed in style, easing past Belfast school De La Salle 3-0 in the NISFA U16 Cup decider, which was the showpiece final of the day.
After a goalless first half the game sparked into life when Ben Wilson was upended inside the box. He picked himself up and slotted the penalty into the bottom corner.
They were two up with six minutes remaining when Kai Hegarty scored with a long range shot. The victory was complete when Ryan McCaul hit the net in added time.
Meanwhile, the U12 Cup was won on penalties after Lurgan Junior High and St Malachy’s College (Belfast) were locked at one apiece after extra time. Lurgan Junior High goalkeeper Frazer Cunningham scored the decisive spot kick to take the trophy back to Co Armagh.
In the U12 Plate Larne High defeated Abbey Community College (Newtownabbey) 2-1, while St Patrick’s Academy (Lisburn) were the winners of both Small Schools competitions, defeating Rathfriland High School 2-1 in the Small Schools U13 Cup decider and near neighbours Lisnagarvey High School 2-1 after extra time in the U15 Small Schools Cup final.
In the final game of the day Saint Pius X College (Magherafelt) defeated Banbridge Academy 3-0 in the U16 Plate decider.
