Andrew’s take title as Wesley stun Ashton

St Andrew’s claimed their fourth All-Ireland  Schoolboys title, their  experience proving too much for Wesley College in yesterday’s final at Lisnagarvey.

Final quarter goals from David Nolan and Lee Cole were decisive, knocking on the head Wesley’s attempted comeback after Ian Stewart cancelled out Jordan  Larmour’s opening goal. They were deserving winners, Cole – son of former Irish international Didi – central to matters, while skipper Mark Loughrey was imperious at the back before his departure due to injury. The real drama came in the semi-finals, where Munster’s great hopes Ashton were left shell-shocked by Wesley. David Hobbs’ side were cruising at 2-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Munster U18 pair David Whitaker and Philip Brownlow. But Kirk  Shimmins’ amazing 60-metre solo effort started a  remarkable Wesley  comeback that saw them win 4-2 against the shell-shocked Cork boys. Ashton had a big chance to make it 3-0 while David Whitaker’s drag-flick dinged the bar at 3-2 down, leaving them wondering what might have been. In the other semi-final, St Andrew’s went four goals up on holders Banbridge  Academy but when switched off to allow the Down men back into it, only to  eventually prevail 5-3 to end Bann’s two-year title rein.