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 | | Thursday, 24 January, 2002, 21:42 GMT Methody fit the bill again  Methody celebrate their success over RBAI in 2001 The official programme that accompanies the St Patrick's Day final at Ravenhill ever year aptly calls it the ''Field of Dreams''. That is exactly what the Renault Ulster Schools' Cup is - a dream, with nearly 500 boys hoping it will become a reality. Saturday begins another road to glory with 14 first round ties down for decision. Some are tight calls, others fairly predictable, but at least it brings out the best in most.
There is always speculation as to who will come out on top. There will not be too many who will veer away from the usual trusted hot shots. One of those is Methodist College, Belfast, who stretched their record total to 29 outright victories last season. This year there could be an even bigger reason for going for the top institutions, particularly Belfast's ''big three''. Champions Methodist College, who with the little help from the draw, have a bye in the first round, and are many people favourites again. Close behind come Campbell College and last season's beaten finalists RBAI, who have won the competition 26 times. The Ulster Branch have given the trio every chance to add to their collection of successes with fitness coaches assigned to each. The three schools, who have produced most of the Ulster squad over the last few seasons, have been earmarked for special treatment in order to bring players through. Some country teams could argue strongly about that little move - Ballymena Academy for a start.
Now opposition sides not only have to withstand the might of bigger and talented all-round sides from the city slickers, but superbly fit ones as well. Methody, though have a record this season second to none. They have lost only once from 21 outings scoring a massive 796 points with only 115 conceded. They have run in a massive 68 tries as they torture defenses at will. Just for good measure, they have beaten all the top schools in Ireland this season - Leinster champions Terenure, Munster kingpins CBC Cork and the mighty Blackrock. But they did go down to Royal Armagh before Christmas with Kenny Hooks' side just one of a couple of outsiders who fancy their chances in the run-in. RBAI, winners in 2000, have not had too good a season up to now, but they always appear to come good for the cup. Treasure They should ease through the first round when take on Portora Royal for the fifth time in six years. Campbell have also performed superbly this season, but they could find a little trouble at Ballyclare High in one of the two games of the day. Ballyclare have a real treasure in Ulster lock Lewis Stevenson who could inspire his side to a shock victory. In the other big tie of the opening round Coleraine AI make the arduous trip to Royal School Dungannon. That game is a toss up, as will be many of the games as the minnows attempt to overthrow the sharks. | |
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