Royal Belfast Academical Institution will defend their Ulster Schools Cup against arch Belfast rivals Methodist College after they overcame Sullivan Upper 29-3 in yesterday's semi-final at Ravenhill.

It was a scrappy enough affair but RBAI deserved their comprehensive victory.

It was 17-0 at the break as RBAI steadily took control. Centre Kris Donaghy and wing forward and captain Andrew Hamlin scored tries, with outhalf Glen Telford converting both and adding a penalty. Sullivan centre Ben Wright made it 17-3 two minutes into the second half, but despite the strong wind against them, RBAI gained the upper hand.

Telford converted his own try in the 47th minute and Simon Gardiner scored another five minutes from time to close the account.

RBAI have now gone three seasons without conceding a try in the competition.

However, when they run up against hot favourites Methody their defence will be tested to the full.

The trophy holders are improving with each game and though only four players survive from last year's winning outfit, their coach, Brian McLaughlin, the former Ireland under-21 mentor, will be looking to his side to go the full distance again.

RBAI: K Chapman; S Gardiner, K Donaghy, S Wells, G McClintock; G Telford, D Sloan; N Conlon, J Craig, M Stokes, R Caldwell, D Brownrigg, B Price , A Hamlin (capt), M Atcheson. Replacement: R Donaghy for Brownrigg.

Sullivan Upper: C Shaw; N Campbell, B Wright, M Glover, N Craig; H Swift (capt), M Baird; S Robinson, C Ritchie, G Woods, D Finn, C Blackburn, J Strong, G Martin, S Clarke. Replacements: R Willis for Finn; P McClelland for Blackburn; F Lockhart for Strong.

Referee: M Orr (Dromore).