Belfast Royal Academy have won the Ulster Bank Ulster Schools Cup for the first time in their history.

They beat Campbell College at Osborne Park by three wickets in a thrilling final this evening (Friday) thanks to a brilliant knock by opener Francis Collins who carried his bat to an unbeaten 73 in a total of 147 for 7. It was a game that ebbed and flowed with collapses and recoveries common place as both sides sought their first ever cup win.

Campbell had started the 30 over final promisingly, faltered badly and then recovered to post 146 for 7. A second wicket partnership between Paddy Beverland (25) and Jack Beattie (26) took Campbell to 69 before a serious collapse saw them plummet to 74 for 7. But there was to be productive final fling between Matthew Hamill with 45 not out and Adam McCormick with 25 not out to ensure a respectable total.

Academy found themselves in serious difficulty right from the start and at 56 for 6 their cause looked lost. Rescue came in the shape of a 62 run seventh wicket partnership between Collins and Samuel Osborne. Osborne finally departed for 28 but Collins with his undefeated 73 saw his side home to their historic won.

It was the first all-Belfast final for 20 years - and one of the best in recent times.

Scores:
Campbell College 146-7 (J Beattie 26, P Beverland 25, M Hamill 45no, A McCormick 25no, D McLarnon 3-29, J Burton 2-17)
BRA 147-7 (F Collins 73no, S Osborne 28, P Beverland 2-13, R Wightman 2-31)
BRA beat Campbell College by 3 wickets