Enniskillen Royal Grammar School will be hoping to land the Medallion Trophy today (Thursday) when they take on Banbridge Academy in the final at Armagh Royal School (2.30pm).

ERGS defeated Strabane to take the place in the decider and coach Raymond Savage says that things have been going well in the lead up to the final.

“Preparations have gone really well since the Strabane game. We decided soon after the semi final against arranging competitive fixtures so the squad has been working really hard on adding more value to their game in training,” he said.

And Savage is pleased with how the squad has progressed throughout the campaign.

“As a coaching group we couldn’t be more pleased with how far this team has progressed this season. We’ve had our fair share of injuries to deal with, but everyone has remained committed and stayed focused.

“We have definitely had games with huge defensive efforts and in others amazing creative rugby. The challenge now is to bring all those elements into one performance,” he stated.

He is though expecting a big challenge from Banbridge who defeated ERGS earlier in the season.

“They are a proud rugby school and they will undoubtedly be well coached. We can expect them to want to play some really good rugby with high levels of skill and accuracy.

“We lost narrowly to them at the beginning of October but this ERGS Medallions team are in a much different place now than in October.”

With silverware on the line, there will no doubt be nervous on both sides but Savage wants his side to play the game and not the occasion.

“As with any final we can expect some nerves from the boys and I dare say the coaches too.

“We very much hope to enjoy the occasion but for us it’s about making sure we remain composed so we can play the rugby we are capable. We have been consistent with the boys that it’s another game of rugby to be contested and to approach it as such,” he added.

So, what does he feel will be the key to the game?

“I suspect like most finals it will be determined by small moments in the game. We need to ensure we stay focused in phase play and execute any chances we create.

“We have spoken about work rate with and without the ball so it’s very important that we want to work harder than them.

“The energy in the group is high and positive and so we must make sure to bring this at game time on Thursday.”

And he believes that if his side can produce a performance they have every chance of coming out on top.

“I expect it to be a hard fought game with both sides genuinely wanting to play open rugby. It will take commitment and a level of controlled aggression from every single player to ensure a performance good enough for a win.

“We have a genuine belief in the ability within this group of players and we must trust our skills.

“If we manage to perform to our best then I believe we can win,” concluded Savage.