Craigavon Senior High travelled to Rathmore and looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory, leading 5-2 early in the second half, but their hosts hit back strongly and Craigavon had to fight all the way for a 6-4 success. Parkhall from Antrim made the journey to Magherafelt to take on Rainey Endowed and came out on top by the odd goal in seven in a ding-dong contest.
Neither school has been favoured in the draw for next week's second round. Parkhall will be on the road again, facing St Patrick's and St Brigid's in Claudy who overwhelmed St Catherine's of Armagh 10-1, while Craigavon will not relish the trip to Belfast to take on Christian Brothers Secondary.
Last season St Colm's of Draperstown collected the Under 15 Small Schools Cup at the first attempt and they made an impressive debut in the Under 16 competition this time with a 6-2 victory over Banbridge Academy. They will entertain Lumen Christi.
Two years ago Edmund Rice College lifted the Northern Ireland Under 14 Cup and they fancy their chances of going all the way in the Under 16 Cup this time. Their tie against neighbours Glengormley will generate a lot of interest but Edmund Rice will need to pull out all the stops to come out on top in what will be a hotly contested derby.
Corpus Christi impressed with a 5-0 success at Ballyclare Secondary and they will hope to repeat that form against Banbridge High School.
The meeting of Ashfield and De La Salle brings together two schools which have enjoyed great success in the competition. Ashfield has lifted the Malcolm Brodie Trophy four times while De La Salle have been champions on five occasions. It should be a close contest.
Model are the current champions and as one of the 16 seeded teams will enter the competition at the third round next month.