Schools Cup 2014

[Setanta]

Ed Zachary +1 Aegis in Aeternae

[cheese]

Good positive game of rugby. Methody clearly saved the A game until the final. Sullivan played well but some players didn't look to be able to handle the pressure. It just looked like another game to MCB.
I thought Sullivan looked too over hyped before the game. Coming out and waiting for MCB on the halfway line was a bit silly. What made it worse was they wasted so much mental energy standing getting so worked up waiting on MCB to come out some 3mins later.
Sullivan lacked direcrion as the game went on. They kept passing it inside to run into the MCB forwards who just choke tackled them and won the turnover.
Hopefully SUllivan can look back on the day and the experience with fond memories. After all surely it was worth it to be given a week of school by the the headmaster to prepare for the game.
Lagan, Bingham and McKee showed great experience out on the pitch and it looked like any other day. Composure shone through.
Great atmosphere at the game by both supporters, mostly sullivans, and by Ravenhill with the music and big screens on.

[big mervyn]

I'm a "parent" but I'm still inclined to root for the country schools.Seem to remember Belfast v Country representative games as a provincial selection tool when I were a lad.

[Rooster]

I'm a "parent" but I'm still inclined to root for the country schools.Seem to remember Belfast v Country representative games as a provincial selection tool when I were a lad.

You get a country school in the final and the entire town goes !

[lw7]

Wouldn't say they are weak but certainly not as good as previous years, don't forget they have Nicky and Davy Wells who IMO are the best coaches out of any school by quite a stretch, they will have a big factor in things, but will have their work cut out admittedly

The Wells duo are not the only great school coaches to have left their mark on ulster rugby.
Lets not forget the likes of 'Big Bob' Mitchell & David Young at Campbell. Tactically they were way ahead of their time & enjoyed prolonged success over a 20+ year period. They also helped develop arguably the most complete footballer ever to play for Ireland.

[Moiraman]

Wouldn't say they are weak but certainly not as good as previous years, don't forget they have Nicky and Davy Wells who IMO are the best coaches out of any school by quite a stretch, they will have a big factor in things, but will have their work cut out admittedly

The Wells duo are not the only great school coaches to have left their mark on ulster rugby.
Lets not forget the likes of 'Big Bob' Mitchell & David Young at Campbell. Tactically they were way ahead of their time & enjoyed prolonged success over a 20+ year period. They also helped develop arguably the most complete footballer ever to play for Ireland.

Even more complete than BOD?

[Bayern]

Look like only two ulster u18 schools players in the Ireland u18 schools squad, squad yet to officially announced.

Jacob Stockdale(Wallace/Centre/Fullback)
Conor McIlmurray(Campbell/Prop)

[pwrmoore]

Wouldn't say they are weak but certainly not as good as previous years, don't forget they have Nicky and Davy Wells who IMO are the best coaches out of any school by quite a stretch, they will have a big factor in things, but will have their work cut out admittedly

The Wells duo are not the only great school coaches to have left their mark on ulster rugby.
Lets not forget the likes of 'Big Bob' Mitchell & David Young at Campbell. Tactically they were way ahead of their time & enjoyed prolonged success over a 20+ year period. They also helped develop arguably the most complete footballer ever to play for Ireland.

Even more complete than BOD?

well, if he's referring to Cameron Michael Henderson Gibson, YES.

[Snipe Watson]

I think it's a bit of nonsense to compare Mike Gibson with BOD. They were both the best of their time, but their times were so different. Even comparing BOD to Sella is a bit dodgy.

[lw7]

I think it's a bit of nonsense to compare Mike Gibson with BOD. They were both the best of their time, but their times were so different. Even comparing BOD to Sella is a bit dodgy.

Yes very different players.
CMHG (God) could happily play anywhere 10 - 15. His Irish debut was like the rest of his career - brilliant.
Shame he played in weak irish teams & wasnt a better goal kicker.

Whisper it quietly.. Over the last decade the less celebrated Snakey Smith has been right up there with BOD

[pwrmoore]

I think it's a bit of nonsense to compare Mike Gibson with BOD. They were both the best of their time, but their times were so different. Even comparing BOD to Sella is a bit dodgy.

It is indeed a nonsense. BOD is in quite a different league from CMH Gibson.