The 2021-2022 season was one of peaks and troughs for the Medallion XV team with injuries and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic having a major impact on the team which meant that they had to use a large squad of players including many from the U14 team.

The season opened with an away loss by three points through a try in the final minutes against Friends’ School, a fixture that is played for The David Shrestha Shield with Friends’ School winning it for the first time.

A heavy defeat at Sullivan Upper was followed by a good home win over Grosvenor GS before another defeat in a high scoring game at home to RS Armagh.

A big win at Omagh Academy was followed by a narrow three-point home victory over Friends’ School in their second meeting of the season.

Either side of half term the team suffered heavy defeats at the hands of BRA, Rainey ES and Enniskillen Royal GS before recording a comfortable away win at Dromore HS.

In the Medallion Shield competition, a team heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic lost at Limavady GS. In the Trophy competition, Lurgan College conceded the first tie and then RSD frustrating lost to Dromore HS who were the eventual winners of the competition.

The Medallion Squad enjoyed the sunshine and excitement that Sevens rugby brings, with plenty of space and opportunities for the players to display some exciting attacking rugby. They recorded wins over Regent House and Limavady GS before defeats at the hands of Bangor GS and to group winners Ballymena Academy.

The team was captained by Cameron Cummings who missed part of the season through injury but who went on to train with the Ulster U16 squad and started the final Inter Provincial match for Ulster U18 Club and School team against Leinster at Energia Park, Donnybrook, Dublin.

The David Shrestha Cup for Sportsmanship and Dedication to the Medallion XV was awarded to Caleb Burke.

It was a difficult season for this squad but they trained regularly and continued to work on their games despite the many changes to the line-up each week which meant that they lacked consistency. The hope is that all the players still in the game in the senior school and after they leave school.

Thank you to Mr Patrick Greeves for his work with the team during the season and the various people who helped with the refereeing of home matches.

RJC