Campbell College will begin their defence of the Schools Cup against either Royal School Armagh or Belfast High in the second round of this year’s competition.

The holders were one of nine schools to receive a bye in yesterday’s first round draw along with last year’s beaten finalists and 2021 winners RBAI, who will be away to the winners of the Limavady Grammar-Ballyclare High tie.

Most of the leading schools were put directly into the second round, although Ballymena Academy, who shocked Methodist College last year must get past Lurgan College to win a tie against Sullivan Upper.

Methody could be involved in a repeat of the 2019 final in the second round, if Belfast Royal Academy, again one of the favourites defeat Antrim Grammar in their opening tie.

Schools Cup first round draw: (A) Belfast Royal Academy v Antrim Grammar, (B) Strabane Academy v Down High, (C) Royal School Armagh v Belfast High, (D) RBAI 2nd XI v Grosvenor Grammar, (E) Limavady Grammar v Ballyclare High, (F) Friends School v Campbell College 2nd XI, (G) Ballymena Academy v Lurgan College. Games to be played by May 5.

Second round: (A) v Methodist College, Wallace High v (B), (C) v Campbell College; Regent House v (D), (E) v RBAI, Coleraine Grammar v (F), (G) v Sullivan Upper, Bangor Grammar v Foyle College.