Schools Rugby Ulster Senior Cup final/RBAI v Wallace HS Ravenhill:ROYAL Belfast Academical Institution will be firm favourites to land their 29th Northern Bank Ulster Schools' Cup title in the showpiece final against Wallace High School at Ravenhill today.
The Belfast school, who currently trail their fierce rivals Methodist College (30 outright cup wins) by two in the all-time winners list have endured the most rigorous passage to the final.
They defeated the big pre-tournament favourites Ballymena Academy, and traditional cup heavyweights Campbell College and Methody.
Beating such a high calibre of opposition on the road to Ravenhill make them odds-on to land another Cup triumph.
Wallace however have been the surprise package of the tournament, disregarding poor form in their early season friendlies - when they were hindered by a horrendous injury list - to peak with perfect timing when the occasion demanded it.
The Lisburn school were first able to field their full-strength side in their opening cup match against Regent House and Neil Hinds' side have gathered momentum since then.
They defeated Belfast Royal Academy before producing a hugely impressive 37-3 semi-final triumph over Royal School Portora. They will relish their underdogs' tag.
RBAI however have already beaten today's opponents 32-15 at their Osborne Park ground and coach Gavin Monteith believes his side's tough route to the final has left his side battle-hardened and ready for the challenge.
"You would hope that those kind of tough cup encounters will pay dividends, but its no good saying we played well in the semi final, we have one more good team to beat and the boys know the job isn't finished yet," said Monteith.
"We saw ourselves as favourites from the start of the season, because we felt that if we played to our potential we could beat anyone and prove we are the best team in Ulster Schools this season.
"But Wallace are a good side and we will respect them."
Hinds however is confident Wallace can give a good account of themselves in their bid to land their first Cup win. He has worked hard at gelling a side that maybe without stars but play with tremendous spirit, organisation and cohesion.
The turning point in Wallace's season, according to Hinds was a short tour to France in January which proved an excellent bonding experience.
"It was tough taking some of those defeats earlier in the season but the boys have worked very hard to bring things together and their confidence had increased as combinations and continuity have improved," said Hind.
"We have gone close to winning this competition in recent seasons and would love to take the next step.
"Rugby has created a real buzz in the school and there will be a huge turn-out at Ravenhill," added the Wallace coach.
