RBAI face tough opener

RBAI defeated Wallace High in last season's St Patrick Day final

Champions RBAI face a tough trip to Omagh Academy in the second round of the Renault Ulster Schools' Cup.

The 27-times champions have misfired this season and will not fancy the trip to Co Tyrone.

But there is a reward for minnows Wellington College who face 2002 winners Campbell College at Fox's Field.

Last year's beaten finalists Wallace High also face a first round winner when they welcome Down High to Lisburn.

Wellington defeated Antrim Grammar 31-10 in Saturday's opening round while Down High kept their line intact in a 13-0 victory over Cambridge House.

Dalriada had a comfortable 42-3 win over Lurgan College and now host Ballyclare High School.

Schools' Cup winners

In the final first round clash, Friends earned a trip to Sullivan Upper after a 26-5 victory over /Strabane Grammar.

Coleraine AI also have a home draw when they entertain Belfast High School while BRA are away to Portadown College.

The four main protagonists this season come in at the third round stage.

In a revamped competition, Ballymena Academy, Royal School Dungannon, Methody, and Royal School Armagh were judged to have the best results from the start of the season to Christmas.

The objectives of the new format were to avoid major mismatches in the competition and to extend the season in a meaningful way for more schools.

The losing schools from the first round, Antrim, Cambridge House, Lurgan and Strabane, will compete in a round robin tournament for the Schools' Trophy.

Losers in Round 2 will be divided into four groups of three and will compete in the Schools' Bowl.

First round results:
Wellington College 31-10 Antrim Grammar
Down High School 13-0 Cambridge House
Dalriada 42-3 Lurgan College
Strabane Grammar 5-26 Friends

Second round draw:
(To be played on 17 January)
Bangor Grammar v Carrick Grammar
Dalriada v Ballyclare High
Grosvenor Grammar v Larne Grammar
Foyle&Londonderry v Banbridge Academy
Portadown College v BRA
Limavady Grammar v Portora Royal
Omagh Academy v RBAI
Regent House v Rainey Endowed
Wallace High v Down High
Sullivan Upper v Friends
Coleraine AI v Belfast High
Campbell College v Wellington