The death of last year's winning captain John McCall while playing for Ireland Under-19s in the world championship in South Africa last March, is bound to make this season's competition an emotional ride for defending champions Royal School Armagh
Tragically, a second member of Kenny Hooks' triumphant squad last season, Todd Graham, was killed in a car crash while holidaying in Zambia last July.
Hooks, however, has done a tremendous job in coping with the emotional aftermath and part of the rebuilding process saw the McCall family dedicate a new trophy to be competed among the area's three Royal Schools - Armagh, Dungannon and Portora - involving the 1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV, Medallion, Under 14A and Under 13A teams.
Although not seeded in the top four this season, Armagh made a blistering start to their defence with a 63-0, 10-try demolition of Friends School in the second round, to book a a home tie against fancied Coleraine Academical Institution.
Hooks, the former Ulster and Ireland winger, said: "Friends were spirited throughout but we know that we still have plenty to work on and Coleraine will be a nice step up in the next round.
"It's also great to have a home game and pleasing to see we're getting there and emerging out of the shadow of what was a superb side last year."
Almost perennial favourites Methodist College, Belfast enjoy a home tie against Belfast Royal Academy in what should be a tasty city derby in the third round on February 5th. Methody, along with the three other seeded schools, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Ballymena Academy and Campbell College received byes in the first two rounds, and will have to hit the ground running against sides already battle-hardened.
Regent House came from 13-3 down to beat a strong Larne side 15-13 and they will need to show that kind of fighting spirit in abundance in round three after getting a tough away draw against RBAI.
Ballyclare High recorded an impressive 17-13 win over a fancied Rainey side but things don't get any easier for Frank Gault's side as they now travel to face Wallace, who thrashed Wellington College 58-8.
The Lisburn school ran in 10 tries with Chris Carson getting a hat-trick, Tim Moore and Gregg Taylor a brace each and Ian Whitten, Martin Hanna and Philip Wilson joined in the scoring.
Sullivan Upper's talisman Darren Cave worked his magic once again as the Irish Schools' star scored a try, penalty and two conversions in a 22-5 win over Banbridge, to set up an entertaining clash away to Campbell.
Dungannon will meet Limavady after sweeping Dalriada aside with a five-try 29-7 win which saw Mark Riddell score two tries.
BRA face Methody after beating Portadown for a second season in a row 37-16 while Coleraine overcame Carrick 11-3 to set up that tough Armagh assignment.
Elsewhere Omagh's reward for toppling Grosvenor is another home tie against Ballymena.THIRD ROUND (Saturday, February 5th)
Campbell College v Sullivan Upper; RS Armagh v Coleraine Institute; Wallace HS v Ballyclare HS; RBAI v Regent House; Down HS v Portora RS; Limavady GS v RS Dungannon; MCB v BRA; Omagh Academy v Ballymena Academy
