Matthew McCabe breaking through the defensive line supported by Ryan Egerton and Jack Wilson in the match against Royal School Armagh on Saturday. bmcb12
THE last rugby game to ever be played by the Portora Royal School 1st XV at Castle Lane ended in victorious fashion on Saturday.
The school, one of the most decorated in the history of the Ulster Schools Cup, winning the old trophy on seven occasions (1905, 1906, 1908, 1909, 1940, 1941 and 1942 (shared) and featuring as runners up a further five times, will be officially consigned to the history books on September 1.
The closure of the school, established in 1618, will pave the way for the new Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, a result of the amalgamation of Portora and Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School.
Notable former rugby players from the school include former Irish cricket and rugby international Dicky Lloyd and more recently Jimmy McCoy, who played for the Ireland team from 1984 to 1989, winning 16 caps and was a member of the Ireland squad at 1987 Rugby World Cup.
Nick Finlay captained the Portora 1st XV in 2006 that narrowly lost to Campbell College in the Ulster Schools Cup semi-final at Ravenhill.
He was on the touchline watching on Saturday seeing his former side defeat Royal School Armagh 17-14 to reach the final of the Ulster Schools Bowl.
“I think it was pretty fitting to have two Royal schools playing out the last ever game at Portora. That was pretty special and great to see a bigger crowd than normal turn up to support the boys. They put in such a brave performance and had to fight tooth and nail to get the win. I think it was a fantastic performance and they did the school proud.”
Despite the change in name and strip Nick will remain an avid supporter of rugby at the new school.
“When it comes to cup rugby you will still be going down. It will be hard cheering on Enniskillen instead of Portora on the sidelines, that will be something different, but I suppose we just have to embrace the change now and move forward
“It is such a small factor in the whole scale of things, but it will just be funny watching a Portora team not wearing the black and gold running out on the pitch. Being an old Portoran you have pride in that shirt, pride in that history and the amount of people that have worn that shirt before you.
Seeing a new team going out without those shirts will be something different, you really don’t know what the emotions will be like. It’s still Castle Lane though, all that history of boys playing, no matter what happens it’s still the home of the rugby for your old school.”
Portora Royal School principal Neil Morton congratulated the team on a superb victory.
“I’m delighted that the match went so well against one of our brother schools, they’re a great team and a great credit to the school.”
When asked about the significance of the occasion Mr Morton was quick to play it down.
“We have been the Enniskillen Royal School for most of our history, it’s only in the 20th century we were Portora. The new school will continue on the proud traditions of the past.”
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