Schools' Cup winner Ross Dillon targets RBAI trophy lift as captain

Dillon featured – along with No8 Adam Boyd and out half Charlie O’Connor – two years ago in the St Patrick’s showpiece showdown when Inst defeated Ballymena Academy by 21-14.

Hooker Dillon came off the bench in that final and scored the winning try. Boyd had also crossed the whitewash in the first half.

And the skipper believes that big-game experience will be invaluable when the sides today take to the Ravenhill pitch.

“Two years ago for a few of us being involved...we can just bring a wee bit more ‘oomph’ and hype up for the game,” said Dillon.

Against Ballymena Academy in this year’s semi-final, RBAI had to battle back from 14-5 down, with O’Connor helping to mastermind the run to glory.

“Charlie in our team's definitely an asset,” said Dillon. “He's able to switch play from a flick of the switch and from the boys regrouping from the start of the game.

"I'm really proud of everyone to come back and win from that margin.”

RBAI’s current run to the final has been built on a solid defence, the city centre school having only conceded 24 points over their three games.

Dillon added: “Once we got our defensive shape, Ballymena struggled to break us down from there.

“We sorted it out maybe 20 minutes into the game...we kept our discipline and just kept them out for the rest of the semi-final.”

RBAI now have an opportunity to close to within two of Methody’s record 37 outright wins in the Schools’ Cup.

Inst and Campbell contested the 2023 final, with RBAI winning off the final play

Campbell last lifted the trophy in 2018 and defeated Inst in the final 15 years ago,

“It's definitely going to be the toughest game we've had all year, and they'll be ready for us,” said Dillon. “We've got to bring everything we have to get it over the line.

“It is just the rivalry.

"It used to be more Inst and Methody and then nowadays it seems to be shifted into Campbell.”