Match Preview: Bangor Grammar School vs Wallace High School - 08/12/2018
Bangor Grammar School vs Wallace High School
After last week's disappointment in Ballymoney, Bangor Grammar School return to Gransha Road tomorrow, where Wallace High School are the guests.
There haven't been many matches between both schools' 1st XVs of late. But we can't help but recall the two epic ties in the 2011 Subsidiary Shield semi final. After a tense draw in Lisburn, Bangor won the replay courtesy of a last ditch Stuart McCloskey penalty, booking an unforgettable day out at Ravenhill.
Match Preview
Last week's match for Bangor Grammar, against Dalriada, saw them playing catchup after conceding a try in the third minute. Unfortunately by the end they were beaten by 14 points.
Concerningly, Bangor Grammar have now conceded first in their last six matches.
Wallace have great rugby pedigree, with Ulster legends Chris Henry, Jacob Stockdale and the late Nevin Spence on the list of alumni. Despite this, they have amazingly never won the Ulster Schools' Cup but appeared in five finals. They are statistically the greatest team never to have won the Schools' Cup.
The Lisburn side are having a great season so far, having inflicted defeats on Ballymena Academy, Campbell College and Royal School Armagh amongst others. The only team that has been ahead of Wallace on the final whistle is Methodist College.
The Front Row Union produce the best form of ranking system for local schools' rugby. Out of 33 teams, Wallace currently lie 2nd, and Bangor Grammar ranked 18th (down 1 place from last week). The system is geared up to take both results and quality of opposition into consideration.
https://thefrontrowunion.com/2018/12/ulster-schools-rugby-rankings-2018-19-week-5
Last Time
It's been a while since BGS faced Wallace. The last occasion that we can recall was December 2015, when both teams drew 10-10 under the lights of Upritchard Park. Bangor's points on that night, came from a Connor McKee try and a Zach Kerr conversion & penalty.
Team News
Aaron Sexton is still unavailable for BGS, having been selected for the Ireland U19 team to face Australia. Riley Westwood and Gareth Wells both return, fresh from their involvement in Ulster U19's victory over that same Australia squad on Tuesday night.
One big piece of team news, is Angus Christie's return to the 1st XV in a surprise position on the wing. Harry Angus moves to full back.
Again sidelined through injury is Adam Pritchard, who continues to recover from a broken foot.
Match Details
Venue: Bangor Grammar School 1st XV Pitch, Gransha Road, Bangor
Kick off time: 10.30 am
Last Encounter: BGS 10-10 WHS
BGS 2018-19 Form: P12 / W5 / D0 /L7 (Points for: 331 / Points against: 283)
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 members of the B.G.S. 1st XV team, and all the other teams in action.
