Match Preview: Ballyclare High School vs Bangor Grammar School - 16/11/2018
Ballyclare High School vs Bangor Grammar School
Every good film deserves a sequel, and so tomorrow morning we will be treated to a rematch of one of the most thrilling matches this year so far.
Just over a month ago, Bangor Grammar School held off a late Ballyclare High School charge on our 1st XV pitch at Gransha Road.
Tomorrow the battle resumes at Rashee Road in Ballyclare.
Match Preview
Bangor Grammar School's season began with three wins, mixed with three defeats. Since then though, results have taken a downward turn, with the team recording three defeats in a row. Despite this, results have always been close, with only seven points or less separating us from victory on each of those last three occasions. When you consider that the team has been hit by injuries (or absences) of several key players, it's far from doom or gloom, especially with the Schools' Cup still two months away.
You may remember from our previous tie that Ballyclare High School are the reigning Subsidiary Shield champions - a title they'll be hoping not to defend. They have beaten B.R.A., Belfast High, Grosvenor and Cambridge House so far, but been bettered by Ballymena Academy, Campbell, R.B.A.I. and Bangor Grammar.
The Front Row Union produce the best form of ranking system for local schools' rugby. Out of 33 teams, Ballyclare are currently ranked 18th, and Bangor ranked 21st, both well below where they should be.
(https://thefrontrowunion.com/2018/11/ulster-schools-rugby-rankings-2018-19-week-2)
Last Time
As mentioned already, these two teams have already faced each other this season.
Ben McCrossan starred with two first half tries, one of which was converted by Rhys Larmour. Ballyclare fought back with a try by Adam Campbell, converted by Mark Jackson, and came close to scoring again late on, but Bangor's defence stood firm to secure a 12-7 win.
The full gallery for that match can be found here: http://gryphiti.wixsite.com/home/bcl-18-gallery
Team News
Aaron Sexton remains on the sidelines, following concussion return to play protocol. He's joined on the absentee list by Sam Murray (foot) and Adam Pritchard (concussion).
Sam's absence means that centres Conor Lusty and Cameron Stewart are now the only two players to have started every match this season for the BGS 1st XV. Conor is also the top scorer on 8 tries / 40 points.
Match Details
Venue: Ballyclare High School 1st XV pitch, Rashee Road, Ballyclare
Kick off time: 10.30 am
Last Encounter: BGS 12-7 BCL
BGS 2018-19 Form: P9 / W3 / D0 /L6 (Points for: 246/ Points against: 210)
Follow the match with live updates on the Gryphiti Twitter Account, plus more reaction and photographs on our Facebook page and here on the Gryphiti website. We'll be videoing the match and will have highlights later in the season. Best of luck to all B.G.S. lads playing for the 1st XV, and all our other teams tomorrow.
