Reuben scores hat-trick as Drumglass High School roar back to draw in Medallion Shield

DRUMGLASS High School made their debut in the prestigious Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Medallion Shield on Tuesday, producing a remarkable comeback to draw an unforgettable first-round encounter with Lurgan College, 34–34.

The hosts started the game as considerable underdogs and were without four members of their starting XV through injury. However, they certainly didn't let that affect their ambition and determination.

Drumglass started brightly, with stand-in captain Reuben W opening the scoring following a sustained period of pressure on the Lurgan line. Reuben went on to produce a fantastic individual performance, crossing for a magnificent hat-trick of tries.

It was also a special day for Glenn S, Craig B, Alfie G and Micah C, who all made their first starts for the team and played an important role in an outstanding team effort.

Lurgan capitalised on a number of Drumglass’s unforced errors to score three tries before the break, but Ben R responded with an excellent solo effort of his own to leave the half-time score at 19–12.

Lurgan continued to threaten after the restart, taking advantage of Drumglass struggling to clear their lines and extending their lead to 31–12. At that stage, the game looked almost beyond the local school’s reach.

However, this Drumglass team had other ideas.

A spell of ill-discipline from Lurgan saw them reduced to 13 players, and the hosts seized the opportunity to take control of possession and territory. The reward was two further tries for hat-trick hero Reuben W, bringing Drumglass right back into contention.

A Lurgan penalty looked to have given the visitors the advantage heading into the closing stages, but there was still one final twist. With the clock running down, Josh Hill crossed for a dramatic last-play try to level the scores at 34–34.

Logan C had the opportunity to snatch a famous victory with the conversion, but unfortunately it wasn't to be.

The man of the match was awarded to Ben J, who produced an excellent performance at out-half, showing great game management and making important tackles all over the pitch.

There were also outstanding contributions from Ben R and Harry P, who were constant threats in the backline, while Daniel R, Stephen W and Jamie E made some powerful carries throughout the game.

What a performance, what a comeback and what a fantastic occasion for Drumglass High School! To compete so courageously in their first-ever Medallion Shield fixture is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the progress this group has made.

The story doesn't end here, though. The school now prepares to do it all again in an away replay against Lurgan College, with a place in the next round up for grabs.