Match Report: Campbell College 42-40 Bangor Grammar School
Campbell College vs Bangor Grammar School
Last Wednesday, Bangor Grammar School's 1st XV journeyed to Belfast to face reigning Schools' Cup champions Campbell College.
The big team news before kickoff was the return of rising Ulster star Aaron Sexton to the Bangor back line.
Less than five minutes in, a five metre scrum presented Campbell with their first scoring chance. Scrumhalf Dara Gaskin ran through for the first points. His own conversion ricocheted off the post.
Falling behind early seemed to galvanise Bangor, and they were soon level as Aaron Sexton's swift hands set up Cameron Stewart in the corner. Captain Rhys Larmour was once again on kicking duty, and his conversion opened up a two point lead for the visitors. For now though, Bangor's lead would be short lived.
Campbell hit back with a penalty and two tries from Jack Stinson and Rex Tinsley; the latter of which, an opportunistic solo break from 20 metres out.
On the brink of half time, prop Ben McCrossan added his third try of the season for Bangor Grammar. With no conversion, the score was 20-12 at half time.
In the second half, the drama, tension and scoreline continued to build. Tries for Aaron Sexton, Riley Westwood and Cameron Stewart for Bangor were interspersed by tries from Danny Williamson, Jack Megarry and Paddy McAlpine for Campbell. There was also a disallowed Bangor try by Harry McCracken, another Campbell penalty hitting the post, and a rare conversion charge down by Aaron Sexton.
With less than five minutes to go, the score was now 39-33 to Campbell. Bangor were the team in control of possession. If they could find it, a converted try would be enough to steal back the lead, and maybe even the match.
Through sharp passing, the ball made its way to Rhys Larmour, then Aaron Sexton. With incredible speed and strength, Sexton saw off two tackles and ran over the tryline before touching down. Rhys Larmour slotted home the conversion to give Bangor a single point lead with only seconds left on the clock.
Restarting play after the try, Campbell kicked deep into Bangor territory. In a cruel twist of fate, the ball bounced forward off a Bangor leg, and Campbell were awarded a last gasp penalty to win the match. Jack Bonnar was on target. The referee's whistle brought an end to a thrilling match, and the home side celebrated their hard earned win.
Campbell's motto is 'Ne Obliviscaris' meaning 'do not forget'. This match will certainly live long in the memory of all those in attendance. Campbell may have left with the win, but rugby was the real winner.
Final Score: Campbell College 42 - 40 Bangor Grammar School
Teamsheet: 1. Grant, 2. Moore, 3. McCrossan, 4. Bull, 5. Dobie, 6. Westwood, 7. Murray, 8. Pritchard, 9. Hamilton, 10. Larmour, 11. Angus, 12. Lusty, 13. Stewart, 14. McCracken, 15. Sexton.
Substitutes: 19. Winters, 20. Pyper
CCB Tries: Dara Gaskin, Jack Stinson, Rex Tinsley, Danny Williamson, Jack Megarry, Paddy McAlpine
CCB Conv: Dara Gaskin (x2), Jack Bonnar
CCB Pens: Dara Gaskin, Jack Bonnar
BGS Tries: Cameron Stewart (x2), Ben McCrossan, Aaron Sexton (x2), Riley Westwood
BGS Conv: Rhys Larmour (x5)
BGS Gryphiti Man of the Match: Aaron Sexton
