Pictured above is the St Paul’s team that played Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast in the Semi Final of the Ulster Colleges Herald Cup. 

St Paul’s under 16 team are to contest the Ulster Colleges Herald Cup Final after an impressive display against Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast.

Played at Derryleckagh playing fields in Newry, a strong wind made it hard for both teams, although this did not halt the scoring power of both teams as an impressive ten goals and eighteen points was scored between both sides.

St Paul’s started on top as they raced into a three point lead, with Ryan Hughes getting all three via two points from play and a twenty one yard free.

Not long after, Ryan got the first goal of the game as he went one on one with the Rathmore keeper before drilling the ball into the roof of the net.

Rathmore then got back into the game within five minutes as they got two goals in quick succession to put the sides level.

St Paul’s responded quickly as they went up the field and earned themselves a penalty, with captain Miceal McNamee cooly rolling the ball past the Rathmore keeper to put St Paul’s a goal in front.

This again didn’t last long, as Rathmore got their third goal of the match to put the sides level for the second time, although St Paul’s kicked on from this with points from Paul Quinn and Jarly Óg Burns to go in leading at half time.

Half time: St Paul’s Bessbrook 2-5   Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast 3-0

St Paul’s started the second half like they ended the first, as two points from Miceal McNamee and one from Caolan McConville put St Paul’s five points up.

St Paul’s hard work to pull clear was again undone as Rathmore got their fourth goal of the game and quickly followed this up with two points of their own to put the sides level for the third time in the match.

Again like the previous times when the sides were level, St Paul’s responded impressively with points from Ryan Hughes, Barry John McCourt and two from Miceal McNamee along with a goal from David Grant. This had St Paul’s leading by seven points at the half way stage in the second half.

Rathmore upped their game at times in the second half as they scored a further two goals and two points, although inbetween this St Paul’s had scores of their own as Caolan McConville got another point and Cahal McArdle got a goal.

During the final few minutes Rathmore kept coming at St Paul’s, but the defenders stood firm with Mark McCabe coming out with the ball on one occasion to set up Richard Keenan to score the final point and kill the game.

Final Score: St Paul’s Bessbrook 4-14   Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast 6-4

St Paul’s will now play hot favourites for the competition, St Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen in the final, with a date and venue yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on the Facebook and Twitter page to find out where and when the match will take place.

Pictured above is the Rathmore Grammar School team that played St Paul’s in the Semi Final of the Ulster Colleges Herald Cup.

Pictured above is the St Paul’s captain Miceál McNamee with Rathmore Grammar School captain and the match referee. 

Video highlights from the match will follow soon. 

See below for photos from the match: